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HISTORY 



OF 



THE UNITED STATES, 

FROM THE 

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA 

TO THS 

CLOSE OF THE GREAT REBELLION. 

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CAPITOL AT WASHINGTON. 



COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES J^S:l 

By WILLIAM'llOBERTS, 

I^TE PRESIDENT OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE TEACHERS' ASSOCIAQPfO^ . 



PHILADELPHIA: 
SOWER, BARNES & POTTS 

1869. 



IV PREFACE. 

can youth, soon to become American citizens, cannot be too 
careful in the selection of facts not distorted by fa,jtion or 
flattery. 

In the treatise now presented to the public, the compiler 
has striven to avoid the errors arising from sectarian or 
partisan statements, and to present the records of history 
drawn from the most reliable sources. 

He has devoted much time and labor in consulting the 
best authorities, and recorded nothing which is not sub- 
stantiated by standard historians. 

In this compilation he has ignored sect and party. Facts 
only are presented, and the mind of the youthful student 
left in freedom as to the principles and motives of the 
actors in this grand drama, who pass in review before him. 

This work is divided into sections, with numbered para- 
graphs. The first section gives a brief account of the early 
discoveries and attempted settlements. The next section 
embraces the history of the settlements of the seventeenth 
century, and the prominent events of the thirteen original 
colonies. This is followed by the French War, the American 
Revolution, the Confederation of States, the adoption of 
the Constitution, and the Federal Union ; with a succinct 
account of every Presidential Administration to the end 
of the Great Rebellion. 

Philadelphia, 1869. 



CONTENTS 



CrSCOYERIES OF THE FIFTEENTH AND SIXTEENTH 
CENTURIES. 

Discovery of America — Cabot's voyage — Cortereal — Juan Ponca 
de Leou — Discovery of Florida — Verrazani — Cartier — Ferdinand 
de Soto — Discovery of the Mississippi — Quebec — Attempted set- 
tlements in Florida — Gilbert's expedition — Raleigh's attempts 
to establish colonies Page 13 

THE SETTLEMENTS OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 

Gosnold's voyage — Cape Cod — The London Company — The Ply- 
mouth Company — Newport's voyage — Settlement of J.j.mes- 
town — Captain John Smith — First Legislature — Slavery — Indian 
hostilities — Sir John Harvey — Freedom under Cromsvell — 
Restoration of the monarchy 22 

Massachusetts. — Settlement on the Kennebec — Captain Smitk 
names the country New England — Settlement of Plymouth — 
Salem — Colony of Massachusetts Bay — Roger Williams — Uniofli 
of New England colonies — Indian war — Sir Edmund Androps 
governor — King William's war ..... 27 

New York. — Henry Hudson's voyage — Settlement of Manhat/.m— 

New Netherlands — Algonquin war — Surrender to the English — 

New York — Albany — Charter of Liberties — Imprisonmeat of 

Andross — Earl of Bellamont — Lord Cornbury . . '61 

1* (5) 



VI CONTENTS. 

Nkw Hampshire. — Settlement of Dover — Portsmouth — Exeter — 
Assembly at Portsmouth — Governor Cranfield — Samuel Allen 
governor 34 

New Jersey. — Cape May — Fort Nassau — Bergen — Assignment to 
Berkeley and Carteret — Elizabethtovs^n — Quit-rents demanded — 
Salem — Byllinge, proprietor — Sells West New Jersey to the 
Friends — Carteret proprietor of East New Jersey — Sells his share 
to William Penn and Friends — Union of the two Jerseys — Lord 
Cornli ury governor — Lewis Morris governor of New Jersey 36 

Maryland. — Settlement on the Patuxent — Kent Island — Sir George 
Calvert — Settlement of St. Mary's — William Clayborne — Indian 
War — Philip Calvert — Character of Lord Baltimore — Annapolis 
(he capital — Changes of government in Maryland . . 39 

Delaware. — Settlement at Cape Henlopen — Lewes — Massacre of 
the Dutch settlers — Swedish expedition — Purchase of land — 
Settlement at Christiana Creek — Tinicum — Fort Cassimir, on 
the site of New Castle — Surrender to the Dutch — Conquest of 
the Dutch — Delaware a dependency of New York — Conveyed to 
William Penn • 42 

Connecticut. — Fort at Hartford — Earl of Warwick proprietor of 
the territory — Lord Say and Seal — Trading-house at Windsor — 
Windsor and Weathersfield — Rev. Thomas Hooker settles Hart- 
ford — Pequod war — Settlement of New Haven — Government of 
the colony — New charter from Charles II. — Fort at Saybrook — 
Charter demanded and concealed — Charter Oak — Governor 
Fletcher — Resolution of Captain Wadsworth ... 45 

Rhode Island. — Settlement at Providence — Portsmouth — New- 
port — Roger Williams obtains a charter ... 48 

North Carolina. — First settlement in North Carolina — Lord 
Clarendon's charter — Locke's Constitution — Culpepper's insur- 
rection — Sothel's government — John Archdale — Tuscarora In- 
dians make war 50 



CONTENTS. "^1' 

South Carolina.— Settlement at Port "Royal— Settlement on 
Ashley River— Charleston— Slavery— Colleton governor— Setli 
Sothel— Archdale's government— War with Florida— Siege of St. 
Augustine— Defeat of Indians- Yamasee war— Alliance with 
the Cherokees ^^ 



TENNSTLVANiA.— Swedish settlements of Pennsylvania— Grant to 
William Penn— Landing of English settlers— Penn lands at 
New Castle— Landing in Philadelphia— The first Assembly— 
Penn's return to England— Colonel Fletcher governor— Penn's 
return to Pennsylvania— New frame of government— Death of 
WiLiam Penn °' 

G RORGiA.— General Oglethorpe— Savannah— European settlers- 
George Whitefield— Fort St. George built— W^ar with Spain- 
Invasion of Georgia— Oglethorpe returns to England . CI 



COLONIAL HISTORY. 

From the Commencement of the Eighteenth Century to the 
End of the French War in 1763.— Queen Anne's war— King 
George's war— Washington's embassy— Fort Duquesne built— 
Battle at the Great Meadows— Fort Necessity— Braddock's de- 
feat—Expedition against Nova Scotia— Fort Edward built— 
Battle at Lake George— Fort William Henry— Siege of Louis- 
bourg — Attack on Ticonderoga— Fort Frontenac — General 
Forbes s^nt against Duquesne— Siege of Oswego— Seizure of 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point— General Wolfe attacks Quebec— 
Montcalm^'defends the city— Defeat of the French-Death of 
\Volfe— Of Montcalm— Treaty of peace— France surrenders her 
possessions in America 

From the French War to the Revolution.— Pontiac's war— 

The colonies taxed— The Stamp Act— Troops sent to Boston- - 

Boston Massacre— Duty on tea— Boston Port Bill— Meeting of 

a General Congress— General Gage military governor . 79 

1 



Vill CONTENTS. 



THE REVOLUTION. 

Batlle of Lexington — Ethan Allen's expedition — Seizure of Ti- 
conderoga — Colonel Warner — Colonel Arnold — The Continenral 
Congress — George Washington commander-in-chief — Bunker 
Hill — Arnold's expedition to Canada — Montgomery captures 
Montreal — Battle of Quebec — Death of Montgomery — Lord 
Duumore .85 

Events of 1776. — The siege of Boston — American troops evacuate 
Canada — Attack on Charleston — Sullivan's Island — Declaration 
of Independence — General Howe lands on Staten Island — 
Battle of Long Island — White Plains — Capture of Fort Wash- 
ington — Fort Lee — Betreat through New Jersey — General Lee 
taken prisoner — Battle of Trenton .... 93 

Events of 1777. — Battle of Princeton — Burning of Danbui-y — ■ 
Attack on Sag Harbor — General St. Clair abandons Ticonde- 
roga — Battle of Hubbardton — Oriskany — Siege of Fort Schuy- 
ler — Battle of Bennington — Battle of Brandywine — Massacre at 
Paoli — Capture of Philadelphia — Battle of Stillwater — Saratoga 
— Burgoyne's surrender — Battle of Germantown — Fort Mercer 
—Valley Forge 99 

Events of 1778. — British leave Philadelphia — Battle of Mon- 
mouth — General Lee — Siege of Newport — Massacre at Tappan — 
Wyoming — Expedition sent to invade Georgia — Capture of Sa- 
vannah — Winter quarters at Middlebrook . . .108 

Events of 1779. — The war in South Carolina and Georgia — In 
Virginia — In Connecticut — Capture of Stony Point — The fort at 
Paulus Hook — General Sullivan's expedition against the In- 
dians — The squadron under Captain Paul Jones — French fleet 
under Count D'Estaing — Siege of tlie British at Savannah — 
Count Pulaski — Sergeant Jasper 112 

Events of 1780. — Winter quarters at Morristown — Siege of 



CONTENTS. IX 

Chariest on — General Lincoln capitulates — Waxhaw — General 
Gates — Battle of Sanders' Creek — Death of De Kalb — Colonel 
Sumter — Tarleton — Treason of Arnold — Interview between him 
and Andrd — Arrest of the latter — Flight of Arnold — Death of 
Andr($ — Battle of King's Mountain — General Marion — Greene 
supersedes Gates — Great Britain at war with Holland, France, 
and Spain 116 

Events of 1781, and Close of the Revot.tttion. — Pennsylvania 
troops demand redress — Arnold invades Virginia — Capture of 
Richmond— General Greene at Charlotte, North Carolina — 
Battle of the Cowpens — Morgan's retreat — Battle of Guilford 
Court House — Hobkirlc's Hill — Capture of Forts Watson, Motte, 
and Granby — Lord Cornwallis takes command in Virginia — 
Pursued by General La Fayette — Fortifies Yorktown — Arnold's 
invasion of Connecticut — Burning of New London — Battle of 
Eutaw Springs — French fleet in the Chesapeake — Siege of 
Yorktown — Surrender of Cornwallis — Washington at Newburg — 
Treaty of peace — New York evacuated — Washington resigns his 
commission . 125 



THE CONFEDERATION. 

Shay's Insurrection — Federal Convention — Adoption of tlie Con- 
stitution — The first election 135 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, 

Washington's Administration. — Meeting of Congress— Heads 
of departments — The public debt — District of Columbia — Har- 
mer's expedition against the Indians — Seat of government re- 
moved to Philadelphia — Vermont and Kentucky admitted^ 
French Revolution — Proclamation of neutrality — Genet — St 
Clair's defeat — General Wayne's success — Treaty with the In- 
dians — Jay's Treaty — Insurrection in Pennsylvania — Treaty 
with Spain — Algiers — Tennessee admitted— President's Fare- 
weU Address 138 



X CONTENTS. 

ToiiN Adams' Administration. — Trouble with France — Prospect 
of war — Washington appointed commander-in-chief — Capture 
of a French frigate — Death of Washington — Removal of seat of 
government to W^ashington City — Treaty of peace with France — 
Mr. Jefferson elected President Ho 

Thomas Jefferson's Administration. — Tripoli declai-es war — 
Ohio admitted — Purchase of Louisiana — Loss of the frigate 
Philadelphia — Exploit of Decatur — Eaton's expedition against 
Tripoli — Treaty of peace — Seizure of American vessels by Eng- 
land and France — Burr's trial — Attack on the frigate Chesa- 
peake — "Orders in Council" — <* Milan Decree" — Embargo — 
Mr. Madison elected President 149 

James Madison's Administration. — Frigate President and the 
Little Belt — Battle of Tippecanoe — Louisiana admitted — War 
declared against Great Britain — Hull's invasion of Canada — 
Surrender of Detroit — Battle on the Niagara — Naval battles — 
Essex and Alert — Constitution and Guerriere — Wasp and Frolic 
— United States and Macedonian — Battle of Frenchtown — Siege 
of Fort Meigs — Battle at York, Upper Canada — Sackett's Har- 
bor — War with the Creeks — Naval battles — Hornet and Peacock 
— Chesapeake and Shannon— Perry's victory on Lake Erie — 
Argus and Pelican — British squadron in Chesapeake Bay — 
Battle on the river Thames — Capture of Fort Erie — Battle of 
Chippewa — Lundy's Lane — Siege of Fort Erie — The Essex, 
Commodore Porter, captured — Frolic captured by the Orpheus— 
Peacock and Epervier — The Wasp and Reindeer — Capture of 
Washington — Battle of Plattsburg — McDonough's victory op 
Lake Champlain — The Wasp and Reindeer — Wasp lost at sea — 
Attack on Baltimore — General Jackson seizes Pensacola — Battlo 
of New Orleans — Hartford Convention — The frigate President 
captured — Treaty of peafie — More naval engagements — War 
with Algiers — Treaty — Bank of the United States — Indiana 
admitted — Mr. Monroe elected . . . « < 155 

James Monroe's Administration. — President's tour — Mississippi 
admitted—Seminole war — General Jackson captures towns in 



CONTENTS. XI 

Florida — Illinois, Alabama, Maine, and INIissouri admitted — ■ 
Florida ceded to the United States — Expedition against the 
pirates — Visit of General La Fayette — John Quiucy Adauis 
elected President 179 

John Quincy Adams' Administeation. — General La Fayette re- 
turns to France — Congress make an appropriation — Deaths of 
Adams and Jefferson — General Jackson elected President 1 84 

Anduetv Jackson's Administration. — Death of James Monroe- 
Black Hawk's war — Cholera in the army — Treaties with the 
Indians — Nullification — "Compromise Bill" — Debt due by 
France remaining unpaid — Fears of a war — Amicable settle- 
ment — Seminole war — General Scott sent to Florida — "Specie 
Circular" — " Distribution Act" — Arkansas admitted — Death of 
James Madison — Michigan admitted — Martin Van Buren elected 
President 186 

Martin Van Buren's Administration. — Seizure of Osceola — 
Battle of Lake Okeechobee — Insurrection in Canada — Proclama- 
tion of neutrality — General Harrison elected President 191 

Harrison's and Tyler's Administrations. — The President calls 
a meeting of Congress — Death of President Harrison — John 
Tyler President — Meeting of Congress — Settlement of the north- 
eastern boundary — Prospects of civil war in Rhode Island — 
"Suffrage Party" — "Law and Order Party" — Troops sent to 
preserve the peace — Bursting of the "Peacemaker" — Death of 
Mr. Upshur and Mr. Gilmore — Annexation of Texas — Admission 
(kf Florida 193 

James K. Polk's Administration. — General Taylor sent to Texas 
with an array — Death of General Jackson — Admission of Texas — 
Oregon — Boundary line — Iowa admitted — Mexican hostilities — 
Battles of Palo Alto and Eesaca de la Palma — General Taylor 
takes !\Iatamoras — Monterey — Capture of California — New 
lilexicu — General Scott captures Vera Cruz — Battle of Buena 
Vista — Battles of Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, El Mo- 



Xn CONTENTS. 

linos del Rey, Cbapultopec— Occupation of the city of Mexico- 
Treaty of peace— Transfer of California and New Mexico- 
Death of John Quincy Adams — Wisconsin admitted— General 
Taylor elected President l^^S 

Tatlor's anb Fillmore's Administrations. — Great emigration 
to California — Application to be admitted as a state — Compro- 
mise measures — Death of the President — Succeeded by Millard 
Fillmore — California admitted — Purchase of tracts of land — 
Kossuth— Death of Henry Clay — Daniel Webster — Mission to 
Japan — Franklin Pierce elected President . . . 208 

Franklin Pikrce's Administration. — Mesilla Valley claimed by 
Mexico — Conveyed to the United States by treaty— Nebraska 
and Kansas— Repeal of the Missouri Compromise — Dismissal 
of Mr. Crampton and British consuls — Civil war in Kansas- 
James Buchanan elected President . . . . 211 

fAMES Buchanan's Administration. — The Mormons refuse obe- 
dience to the laws of the United States — Troops sent to Utah — 
Salt Lake City — Troops withdrawn — The President recommends 
the admission of Kansr.s under the Lecompton Constitution — A 
bill passes both houses, but is rejected by the people — Minne- 
sota admitted — Oregon admitted — Visit of the Japanese am- 
bassadors— -Visit of the Prince of Wales— Mr. Lincoln elected 
President— Secession of South Carolina — Major Anderson evacu- 
ates Fort Moultrie — Withdrawal to Fort Sumter — State troops 
take Fort Moultrie and Castle Pinckney — General Cass resigns — 
Messrs. Cobb, Floyd, and Thompson resign — The forts in 
Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama seized by the secession- 
ists — Siege of Fort Sumter — Secession of five states — "Star of 
the West" — Kansas admitted— Peace Conference^ — Convention 
of seceding states- — General Twiggs . • . . 213 

Abraham Lincoln's Administration. — Inauguration — List of se- 
ceded states — Fort Pickens — Bombardment of Fort Sumter — 
The President calls for troops — First arrival of soldiers in Wash- 
ington — Massachusetts troops attacked in Baltimore — Pennsyi- 



CONTENTS. XUl 

yania troops — Secession of Virginia — Destruction of public build- 
ings at Harper's Ferry — Navy Yard at Portsmouth destroyed— 
Secession of Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina— General 
Butler occupies Baltimore — Batteries on the Elizabeth River — 
Sewall's Point — Troops on Arlington Heights — Assassination of 
Colonel Ellsworth — Death of Stephen A. Douglas— Surprise of 
rebels at Philippi — Colonel Kelly wounded — Expedition sent 
against the rebels at Great Bethel — Failure to take a battery — 
JEtetreat — Death of Lieutenant Greble — Of Major Winthrop — 
Battle of Booneville — Attempt of Captain Ward to erect a battery 
at Matthias Point — Attack by the rebels — Death of CaptainWard 
— Battle of Falling AVaters — Battle at Rich Mountain — Colonel 
Pogram surrenders — Battle of St. George — General Garnett 
killed — General McDowell at Fairfax — Centreville — Battle of 
Bull Run — Retreat of General McDowell — Colonels Cameron, 
Slocum, and Fowler killed at Bull Run — Battle at Wilson's 
Creek — Death of General Lyon — General Sigel takes command — 
Expedition under Commodore Stringham and General Butler — 
Capture of Forts Clark and Hatteras — Attack on the fort at Lex- 
ington — Brave defence by Colonel Mulligan — Battle of Bolivar — 
Ball's Bluff — Death of Colonel Baker — Lexington recaptured — 
Resignation of General Scott — General McClellan appointed his 
successor — Dupont's Expedition — Capture of forts at Hilton 
Head— Beaufort— Arrest of Slidell and Mason . . 221 

Events of 1862. — Battle of Somerset — General Zollickoffer killed — 
Surrender of Fort Henry — Expedition against North Carolina — 
Canture of Roanoke Island — Destruction of the rebel fleet — Fort 
Donelson bombarded — Surrenders — Submission of Nashville — 
General Banks crosses the Potomac — Naval battle near Newport 
r^ews — The Merrimac — The Monitor — Commodore Dupont cap- 
tures Bi-unswick and Fernandina — Fort Clinch — St. Mary's — 
Battle of Pea Ridge — Evacuation of New Madrid — Siege of Island 
T^o. 10 — Expedition against Beaufort — Surrender of St. Augus- 
t • ue— Bat tie of Pittsburgh Landing — Surrender of Fort Pulaski — 
Fori Macon — New Orleans surrenders to General Butler — Baton 
Rouge taken — Bombardment of Fort St. Philip — Fort Jackson — 
General McClellan embarks with his army — Takes possession of 
•> 



XIV CONTENTS. 

Yorktown — Battle of Williamsburg — Battle at West Point — At- 
tack on Sewall's Point — General Wool's expedition to Norfolk — 
Surrender of the city — The Mei'riraac destroyed — Sewall's Point 
and Craney Island abandoned — Troops cross the Chickahominy — 
Attack on Colonel Kenley — Battle atCoriBth — Town evacuated — 
Occupied by General Pope — Battle of Fair Oaks — Evacuation of 
Forts Pillow, Wright, and the city of Pensacola — Fort Barrancas 
— Surrender of Memphis — General Negley defeats the enemy in 
Tennessee — Fremont pursues Jackson — Battle of Cross Keys — 
Contest at the Shenandoah — Battle at White Oak Swamp — Battle 
of Mechanicsville — "Gaines's Mills" — Savage Station — White 
Oak Swamp — Turkey Island — McClellan's army at the James 
Ptiver — Malvern Hills — General Pope in command of the army — 
Three hundred thousand troops called into service — March of 
General Curtis — General Halleck appointed commander-in-chief 
• — Death of Van Buren — Battle at the Rapidan — Cedar Mountain 
— Attack on Baton Rouge — Death of General Williams — Army 
moved from Harrison's Landing to Williamsburg — Battle of Bull 
Run — Fairfax — Centreville — Junction of armies — General Mc- 
Clellan commander — Death of Generals Kearney, Stevens, and 
Taylor — Rebel army in Maryland — Battle of South Mountain — 
Death of General Reno — Surrender of Harper's Ferry — Battle 
of Antietam — Rebel army crosses the Potomac — Pursued by 
General Pleasanton — Harper's Ferry evacuated — Bombardment 
of Natchez — Battle of luka — Capture of Mumfordsville — Inva- 
sion of Pennsylvania — Battle of Corinth — Hatchie River — Battle 
of Perryville — General McClellan relieved — Burnside appointed 
— Galveston taken — General Burnside's army opposite Frede- 
ricksburg — Steamer Alabama — Indian massacrea — Battle of 
Fredericksburg — Deaths of Generals Bayard and Jackson — 
General Burnside removes his army — Report of killed and 
wounded 238 

Events of 1863. — West Virginia admitted — Battle of Murfrees- 
boro' — Galveston recaptured — Surrender of Arkansas Post — 
General Burnside relieved — General Hooker appointed to com- 
mand — Assault on Fort Donaldson — Attack on Port Hudson — 
Naval attack on Charleston — Siege of Washington, N. C. — Gen- 



CONTENTS. Xy 

eral Hoolcer crosses the Eappaliaiinock and Rapidan — Battle of 
Chauccllovville — Attack on General Sedgwick at Fredericksburg 
— General Hooker recrosses the Rappahannock — General Stone- 
man's raid to the intrenchments of Richmond — Death of General 
'' Stonewall " Jackson— General Grant captures Grand Gulf and 
Port Gibson — Admiral Porter captures Haines's Bluff — Battle of 
Big Black River — Capture of forts on the Yazoo rivei- — Battle 
near Port Hudson — Louisiana colored troops — Battle at Brandy 
Station — General Lee captures Winchester and invades Maryland 
■ — General Hooker relieved and succeeded by General Meade— - 
Invasion of Pennsylvania — Battle of Gettysburg — Death of Gen- 
eral Reynolds — Lee's retreat — Surrender of Vicksburg — Of Port 
Hudson — Capture of Shelbyville — Capture of Jackson — Morgan's 
band — Draft of three hundred thousand men — Riot in New York 
— Siege of Fort Wagner — Bombardment of Fort Sumter — Of 
Charleston — War with the Sioux — Lawrence burned by guerillas 
— General Meade follows Lee's retreating army — Battle of Rap- 
pahannock Station — Attack on Chattanooga — General Burnside 
in East Tennessee — Battle of Chickamauga — General Banks 
takes possession of Brownsville — General Sherman captures 
Missionary Ridge — General Hooker at Missionary Ridge — Siege 
of Knoxville — Longstreet abandons Tennessee — Treatment of 
prisoners 275 

Events of 1864.— Capture of Suffolk, Va. — Hanging of Union 
prisoners — General Grant in command of the armies — Appointed 
Lieutenant-General — Admiral Porter captures Alexandria, La. — 
Capture of Fort De Russey — Kilpatrick's cavalry expedition — 
Colonel Dahlgren slain — Fort Pillow taken by Forrest — Murder 
of the garrison — Red River expedition — Grand Ecore — Capture 
of Plymouth, N. C. — Washington, N. C — Army of the Potomac 
crosses the Rapidan — Battle of the "Wilderness" — Death of 
General Wadsworth — Of General Sedgwick — Fredericksburg 
taken by Union troops — General Butler harasses the enemy — 
General Sheridan destroys their stores — General Crook in the 
valley of the Shenandoah — General Sherman marching through 
Georgia — Battle at Resaca — Battle near the Cl;ickahominy — 
General Kautz destroys the enemy's railroads — Battle of Kene- 
saw Mountain — General Grant crosses the North Anna and 



XVI CONTENTS. 

other river? — Attack on the rebel fortifications at Harrison's 
Landing — Cold Harbor — Trevillian Station — Staunton, Va. — 
Naval engagement between the Kearsarge and Alabama — Mar- 
tinsburg — Harper's Ferry — Hagerstown plundered — Chambers- 
burg burnt — Battle at Monocacy — Hood's attack on Genera] 
Logan — Battle of Jonesboro — Atlanta evacuated — Forts Powell, 
Gaines, and Morgan captured — Eout of Morgan's band — Battle at 
Berrysville— Dutch Gap — Opequan Creek, Va. — Fisher's Hill — 
Sheridan's pursuit of Early — General Ord's adyance — General 
Birney's advance — Battle of Cedar Creek — General Sheridan 
changes disaster into victory — Capture of the Steamer Florida — 
Battle near Kansas City — Mr. Lincoln re-elected President — 
Battle in East Tennessee — Altoona — Siege of Knoxville — Battle 
near Nashville — Hood's retreat — Pursuit by General Thomas — 
General Sherman's march from Atlanta to Savannah — Capture 
of Fort McAllister — Capture of Savannah — Attack on Foit 
Fisher — Death of Chief Justice Taney — Hon. George M. Dallas 
— Nevada admitted ....... 294 

EvKXTS OP 186.5. — Capture of Fort Fisher — General Butler 
removed — Succeeded by General Ord — Death of Hon. Edward 
Everett — Capture of Egypt, Miss. — Slavery abolished — Fight at 
Hatcher's Bun, Va. — General Sherman's march tlirough South 
Carolina — Columbia captured— Charleston surrendered — Fort 
Anderson captured — Camden, S. C — Fall of Wilmington, N. C. 
■ — Battle of Fishei'sville — President Lincoln's second term — Inau- 
gtiration — Battle at Averysboro' — Bentonville — Army reaches 
Fayetteville — Occupies Goldsboro' — Capture of Fort Steadman — 
Armies of the James and the Potomac advance — Fight along the 
enemy's line at Petersburg — Surrender of the city — Richmond 
evacuated — Occupied by the Union troops — Pursuit of Lee's 
army — Engagement at Burke's Station — Surrender of Lee's army 
— Sherman sets out for Johnston's army — Capture of Raleigh 
— Capture of Salisbury — Surrender of Mobile — Flag raised on 
Fort Sumter — Murder of the President — Attack on Mr. Seward 
■ — Andrew Johnson takes the oath of office, and becomes Presi- 
dent — Death of Booth — Capture of Jefferson Davis — Johnston's 
army surrendered to Sherman — Surrender of Dick Taylor and 
Kirby Smith— The pirate Shenandoah — Grand review of the 
troops at Washington 313 



HISTORY 



OF 



THE UNITED STATES, 



DISCOVERIES OF THE 15TH AND IGTH CENTURIES. 

1. The vast continents of North and South 
America were unknown to the civilized world 

previous to the year 1492. At that time the genius and 
persevering efforts of Christopher Columbus led the way to 
those great discoveries, which have resulted in the settle- 
ment of the United States, and other countries in the 
Western Hemisphere. 

2. The spirit of adventure was now awakened in 

1497. ^ ^^ 

Europe, and numerous expeditions were sent out 

to make discoveries and form settlements. Among theic, 

the voyage of the Cabots is most worthy of notice. lu 

1497, John Cabot embarked with his son Sebastian, from 

.Bristol, England, and discovered the American Continent 

far to the north, in the dreary inhospitable regions of 

Labrador. A second voyage was made by Sebastian Cabot 

the next year, in which he explored the American 
I4.-98. *^ ^ 

coast, landed at many places, and returned to 

2* (13) 



14 HISTORY OP HIE UNITED STATES. 

En^'laud lie sketclied maps of the places visited, and 
wrote an account of his adventures, all of which have been 
lost to posterity. 

3. The gloiy of the discovery of the Yv^estern Continent 
belongs to the Cabots. They reached the mainland four- 
teen months previously to the discovery by Columbus of the 
southern portion, and two years before Amerigo Vespucci 
made his voj^age, and assumed honors to which he had no 
rightful claim. 

4. Gasper Cortereal was appointed commander of an 

expedition fitted out in Portugal, and, in 1501, 
sailed along the American coast for more than six 
hundred miles. He seized a number of the natives, carried 
them off. and sold them as slaves, but in a subsequent voyage 
fell a victim to his avarice and cruelty, being slain in a 
fckirmish with the Indians. 

5. In the year 1512, Juan Ponce de Leon 
'^mbarked at Porto Rico with a squadron of seven 

ships fitted out at his own expense, on a voyage of discovery. 
On Easter Sunday, called by the Spaniards Pascua Florida, 
land was seen and the country was named Florida, from the 
day on which it was discovered, and its blooming appearance. 

6. The Spaniards who had made prepara^^ions for 
a colony in the ^' Land of Flowers," were attacked 

by the Indians with the utmost fury, many were killed, 
the survivors compelled to flee to their ships, and Ponce 
himself, mortally wounded, returned to Cuba to die. 

7. The French erovcrnment, anxious to make 

1534:. . /^ ' 

settlements in the New World, the coasts of whieli 
were frequented by the hardy fishermen of Normandy and 
l>rittany, sent out John Yerrazani, in a single caravel, on a 
voyage of discovery. He came on the coast in the latitude 
of Vrilmington, sailed along the shores of North Carolina, 



DISCOVERIES. 15 

New Jersey, aad New York, remained for fifteen days in 
the liarbor of Newport, and then explored the whole coast 
of New England to Nova Scotia. 

8. In 1534, James Cartier, with two ships, left 
the harbor of St. Malo in France, and in twenty 

days came to the island of Newfonndlaud. He then crossed 
the gulf, and entered a bay which he named Des Chaleurs. 
lie then sailed along the coast, and, entering the inlet of 
Gaspe, he took possession in the name of the French king, 
by rearing a lofty cross, with a shield and the lilies of his 
native soil. Leaving this place, he sailed up the great 
river St. Lawrence for a considerable distance, and then 
returned, after a i«Mccessful voyage, to St. Malo. 

9. The following year, Carticr, with three ships, 

1535> 1 • 1 

set out on another voyage, and, passing to the west 
of Newfoundland and through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
north of Anacosti, he ascended the river as far as the island 
of Orleans. Here, Cartier, leaving his vessels safely moored, 
proceeded in a boat to the chief Indian settlement, wdiich 
lay at the foot of a hill which he climbed. Pleased with 
the beauty of the surrounding prospect, he called this 
Mont Real, a name which has since extended to the most 
flourishing city of Canada East. They passed the winter in 
the St. Lawrence, and in the spring, after solemnly taking- 
possession of the country, and declaring Francis to be its 
rightful king, they returned to St. Malo. 

10. Ferdinand de Soto, one of the companions 
of Pizarro in his conquest of Peru, planned an 

expedition for the conquest of Florida, and, obtaining the 
Spanish king's permission, embarked for that country. In 
two weeks he landed on the coast, and the march of the 
adventurers began, attended with great hardships to the 
invaderf and cruelties to the natives. The following year 



18 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

they arrived at a town on the Alabama, called 
Mobile, which name is still retained. Here a 
bloody battle ensued, during which the town was burned 
and the Indians completely routed. 

11. De Soto now marched to the north, and wintered 

in the upper part of what is now the state of 

Mississippi. In the spring of 1541 the march 

was resumed, and, after suffering from fire, want of food, 

and hostility of the natives, the Spaniards came to the 

great river, often called the " Father of Waters.'' 




DISCOTERY OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 



12. A plan being now formed in France for a settlement 
in America, Cartier again set sail for the St. Lawrence. 
Near the site of Quebec he built a fort, where his company 
passed the winter, sullen, unhappy, and dejected. 
In June, 1542, the expedition returned to France, 
and, for the next fifty years, no further discoveries were 
attempted by a nation which had become involved in the 
horrors of civil war and intestine feud. 



DISCOVERIES. it 

13. The Spaniards under De Soto still marched west- 
wardly in search of gold, but finding none, they retraced 
their blood-stained track to the Mississippi, where their 
distinguished leader died. His body was wrapped in a 
mantle, and at midnight sunk in the depths of the river^ at 
once the fruit of his researches and his sepulchre. 

14. The Spaniards made some feeble attempts 
to form settlements in Florida, by sending mis- 
sionaries to convert the natives to .Christianity. But the 
rude tribes they sought to convert had suffered so much 
from the cruelty of the Spaniards, that they regarded as 
enemies the priests who sought an interview with them, 
and the peaceful missionaries became the victims of their 
fury. Florida was now abandoned, for it seemed fatal to 
all who approached its shores. The troubles in France, 
and the persecutions of the Huguenots, induced Admiral 
Coligny to seek a refuge for men Yv'liose lives were en- 
dangered at home. 

15. An expedition fitted out under the command 

15G3. . . 

of John Ribtiult, a brave man^ of great maritime 
experience, sailed for the American shores. After exploring 
tl\e coast, they came to Port Royal entrance, where Ribault 
determined to plant his colony. Fort Charles or Carolina 
gave name to the country before its occupation by the 
English. In consequence of civil war in France, no aid 
was sent to the infant colony ; dissensions prevailed, and 
the commandant left by Ribault lost his life in a mutiny. 
Tender the guidance of a new commander, they em.barked for 
their native land in a rude vessel of their own construction. 
After suffering from the horrors of famine, they were rescued 
by an English vessel and taken to the coast of France. 

16. In 1564, another expedition under Laudon- 
niere was fitted out, and settled on the banks of the 



18 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

river 3Iay (now St. John's). The following year llibault 
arrived with supplies, and an additional number of 

15G5. . 11 J 

emigrants, and there seemed to be a prospect of the 
continuance of the colony. But Spain had never relin- 
quished her claim, and it was resolved to contest the right 
of France, and to root out her colonies. An expedition, 
fitted out under Don Pedro Melendez, discovered a fine 
haven, which was named St. Augustine. Here Melendez 
landed, took possession of the continent in the name of the 
Spanish king, and laid the foundation of the town, w^iich 
is the oldest settlement in the United States. 

17. By a furious assault he captured the French fort, 
and massacred the inmates without regard to age or sex. 
The French government took no measures to avenge their 
slaughtered colonists. But Dominic de Gourges, a man 
of wealth, fitted out an expedition at his own expense, 
embarked for Florida, captured the Spanish fort, and 
hanged the garrison, whom he designated " Traitors, 
robbers, and murderers.'' But being too vveak to retain 
possession of the country, he embarked for France, and 
Spain still claimed Florida, and all the country bounded by 
the Grulf of Mexico. 

18. No attempts to form settlements in America were 
successful for many years after the failure of Coligny. In 
the reign of Elizabeth of England, Sir Humphrey Gilbert 
formed plans for colonization. Having obtained a liberal 

patent from the queen, he equipped a squadron, 
and sailed for Newfoundland. Having entered 
the harbor of St. John's, he took possession in the name 
of his sovereign. He sailed thence on further discoveries, 
when his largest ship was wrecked, and it became necessary 
for him to return to England. On the homeward voyage 
his fleet, encountered severe storms, and the little frigate, 



DISCOVERIES. 19 

with tlie admiral, disappeared in the darkness of tlie night, 
and all on board perished. 

19. The ill success of this expedition did not discourage 
Sir Walter Raleigh, the step-brother of Gilbert, and 
he resolved to renew the enterprise. Obtaining a 
patent from the queen, he sent out two vessels, under the 
command of Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow. They 
explored the coasts of Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds, 
landed on Roanoke Island, and after a short stay returned 
to England. The queen was so much pleased with the 
description of the voyage, that she named the country 
Virginia, in token of its discovery during the reign of a 
virgin queen. 

20. An expedition was now fitted out, composed 
of seven vessels, and one hundred colonists, Ralph 

Lane went out as governor of the infant colony, and Sir 
Richard Grrenville had command of the fleet. The settle- 
ment was made on the island of Roanoke, which possessed 
a fine soil, and fertile climate, but disagreement with the 
natives, and longings for home, led to a precipitate deser- 
tion, and Lane and his surviving associates were taken to 
England by Sir Francis Drake, in the year follow- 
. * ing. Two weeks afterwards. Sir Richard Grenville 
arrived with additions to the colony, and supplies for the 
settlers, and left fifteen men to retain possession. 

21. Raleigh now sent out another colony, emi- 
grants with their wives and families, and appointed 

John White governor. All whom Grenville left had 
perished, and the fort was in ruins. The governor was 
urged to return to England for reinforcoJients and supplies. 
On his arrival, he found the country at war with Spain, 
and alarmed with a threatened invasion. The poor colo- 
nists were neglected until too late. W^hen Governor White 



2(> HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

retiirned, no trace of tliem could be found, and their fate 
has never been known. 

Questions on the discoveries of the \bth and 16?^. centuries — 1 WU*) 
was the discoverer of America, and in wliat year ? 

2. Describe the voyage of John Cabot. Of Sebastian Cabot. 

3. Who were the actual discoverers of the American continent ? 

4. What is said of the voyage of Cortereal ? What wrong did 
he commit? What was his fate ? 

5. What country was discovered by Juan Ponce de Leon, and 
in what year ? Wliy was it named Florida ? 

6. What prevented the Spaniards making a settlement ? V/hat 
is said of their leader ? 

7. By whom were the coasts of the New World often visited? 
Wnom did the French government send to make discoveries? 
Describe the voyage of Verrazani, and name the places visited by 
him. 

8. From what port did Cartier sail, and what island did he 
arrive at ? What gulf did he cross, and what bay did he name ? 
Into what inlet did he enter? How did he take possession of the 
country ? Up what river did he sail ? 

9. Describe Cartier's second voyage. Where did he leave his 
vessels, and where did he proceed in a boat ? What did he name 
the mountain ? Where did the crews pass the winter, and in 
whose name did they take possession of the country ? 

10. What plan was formed by Ferdinand de Soto ? What at- 
tended the course of the adventurers? At what town did they 
arrive in 1540? What took place? 

11. What did de Soto now do? What discovery did de Soto's 
company make in 1541 ? What is the river they discovered fie- 
quently called ? 

12. What did Cartier do in his third voyage ? Whei-e did liis 
oompany pass the winter? When did the expedition return to 
France? Why did the French discontinue their expeditions to 
America? 

13. What did the Spaniards under de Soto search for? Why 
did they retrace their steps ? When did their leader die, and 
Trhat was done with his body ? 



DISCOVERIES. 21 

14. Who were sent by the Spaniards to form settlenienta in 
Florida ? How were they treated by the natives ? Why were 
they so treated ? Wliat led to French settlements in America ? 
Who projected these settlements ? 

15. AVho commanded the expedition, and at what place did they 
arrive? What gave name to the connti-y? What took place in 
the infant colony? By whom were the survivors rescued? 

16. Who commanded the expedition fitted out in 1504? Where 
was the settlement made ? What accession was made to the settle- 
ment the year following ? Who claimed the country ? Describe 
the expedition of Melendez. What town was founded by him ? 

17. How did Melendez treat the settlers? Did the French 
government avenge their death ? Who fitted ont an expedition 
against the Spaniards? What did he do to the garrison? What 
did Spain claim ? 

18. From whom did Sir Humphrey Gilbert obtain a patent ? 
Where did he land? What took place on his homev/ard voyage? 

19. What did Sir Walter Raleigh do? Who commanded the 
expedition? Where did they land? What name was given to 
the country by the queen, and why ? 

20. What attempt was made to establish a colony ? Why was 
the settlement deserted ? By whom were the survivors taken ii 
England? Who arrived with supplies, and how many men did he 
leave to retain possession ? 

21. Who constituted the colony sent out in 1587? Who was 
appointed governor ? What was the condition of the fort and 
settlers left by Grenville? Wliy did Governor White return to 
England? Why were not supplies sent? When White ^«turno<l 
did he fiud the colonists ? What became of them ? 



22 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

THE SETTLEMENTS OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. 
SETTLEMENT OF VIRGINIA. 

1. From tlie discovery of the American contiDent in 1497 

by the Cabots, no permanent settlement was established 

until the beginning of the seventeenth century. In 1602, 

Bartholomew Gosnold sailed iii a small bark from 

1609. 

England, almost in a direct course across the At- 
larjtic. He came to a promontory, which he named Cape 
Cod. " Here he and four of his men landed; and this waa 
the first spot in New England ever trod by Englishmen."* 
Leaving this cape, they sailed along the coast, and entered 
Buzzard's Bay. Here on a small island they built a store- 
house and fort, and laid the foundation of a colony, which 
was soon after abandoned. f 

2. The time had now arrived when it was deter- 
mined to establish colonies which should be perma- 
nent. Men of travel and observation urged King James to 
make the necessary grants, to confer certain privileges, and 
give encouragement to emigration. Two companies were 
formed ; the first composed of men of wealth in London, 
and the other of a similar character in the west of England. 
The London company had the right to occupy the regions 
from thirty-four to thirty-eight degrees of north latitude, 
and the western or Plymouth company from forty-one to 
forty-five degrees. 

3. On the 19th of December, a little. squadron of three 

* Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. I., p. 112. 

f A French settlement was made in 1605 in NoTa Scotia, and 
called Port Royal, now Annapolis, and in 1608 the foundation 
of Quebec was laid, and occupied as a French colony, the country 
from Delaware Bay to the Gulf of St. Lawrence being claimed by 
the French and named Acadia. 



SETTLEMENT OF TIHGINIA. 23 

vessels, carrying one hundred and five men, commanded by 
Captain Newport, set sail for Virginia. After a long voyage, 

the fleet came to an anchor in Chesapeake Bay. 

The headlands were named Cape Charles and Capo 
Henry, from the king's sons, and a large river which they 
entered was named in honor of the king himself. The site 
fixed on for a settlement was named Jamestown. 

4. The first settlers of Virginia suffered great hardships. 
They were generally idle and improvident, enfeebled by 
divisions, and surrounded by hostile savages. Fifty perished 
before autumn. Their efiicient leader, Captain John Smith, 
had been captured by the Indians, and was now a prisoner. 
His life was saved by the intercession of Pocahontas, 
daughter of the Indian king, and he was soon after libe- 
rated. On his return to Jamestown, he found the 
colony reduced to forty men, some of whom wiixe 

planning their escape from the settlement. 

5. During the two succeeding years, a number of new 
settlers were added to the colony, and Jamestown assumed 
the appearance of a town of civilized inhabitants. Smith 
asserted his authority, maintained order, and promoted 
industry, until an accidental explosion of gunpowder dis- 
abled him, and he was compelled, in consequence of his 

injuries, to return to England. The most unhappy 

1610. •» ' o ^^J 

consequences followed. Hostility on the part of 

the Indians, and famine, reduced the settlers to great dis- 
tress, and they were on the point of deserting the colony, 
when Lord Delaware came with emigrants and supplies, 
and prevented their departure. 

6. The o'overnment of the colonv was adminis- 

1619. ^ , . *'. 

tered on the basis of martial law until 1619, when 
a legislative assembly was convened at Jamestown. The 
following year slavery was introduced into the colony, by 



HtSTf)RT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1620^ 



tlie purctias6 of twenfj" Africans brought by a Dutch 
VcsseL 

7. But the colonists bad no domestic ties to bind 
them to the soil. They were men who regarded 
Virginia but a temporary abode, and looked forward to the 
time when they should return to England. Few women 
had ventured to cross the Atlantic. But now the company 
soat over ninety females, young and of good character, who 
were married to the planters, all the costs of their passage 
across the ocean being defrayed by their husbands. 




PLANTERS OBTAINING 'WIVES. 



8. Powhatan had been friendly with the colonists from 
his daughter's marriage. But after his death, in 1618, the 
Indians became jealous of their increase, and preconcerted 
measures to destroy them. They prepared for the attack 
with great treachery, pretending up to the last hour the 
utmost friendship for those whose deaths they were plot- 
ting. At length, at mid-day, they fell on their unsus 
pecting victims. 



SETTLEMENT OF YIRGIxNIA. 25 

9. The Englisli would have been all destroyed 

had not a friendly Indian revealed the existenc<3 
of the conspiracy, so that Jamestown and the neighbtiing 
settlements were guarded against an attack. The settle- 
ments on the outskirts of the colony were entirely destroyed, 
and the colony received a check from which it took years 
to recover. 

10. The London company had given offence to King 
James, which led to its dissolution, and Virginia became a 
royal province. From this time governors were appointed 
by the king. Some of these royal governors ruled without 
regard to popular right. One of tliem, Sir John Harvey, 

was deposed by the council, and sent to England. 

The king refused to listen to the charges against 
him, and he was reinstated. 

11. In 1G4-1, another Indian war broke out, and 

the frontier settlements were laid waste. This 
outbreak was followed by a war, which terminated by the 
Indians ceding their lands to the colonists. During Crom- 
T^ell's administration, Virginia ehjoyed the utmost freedom 
The people elected their own governors, and had an amount 
of liberty which was not interfered with during the exist- 
ence of the Commonwealth. 

12. On the restoration of the monarchy, the rights of the 
people and the freedom of commerce were disregarded. 
Oppressive laws were enacted, and the struggle commenced 
between the upholders of arbitrary power, ending only with 
the llevolution, which placed all power in the liands of tho 
people. 



(Questions on the Settlements of the 17th century. — 1. What Mi 
Gosi.old discover and name ? What is said of his landing ? Giva 
an account of his further proceedings. 
3- 



26 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

2. What, companies were foi-med? What right was ccnferied 
on the London company ? On the Western compnny ? 

3. Who commanded the squadron sent out, and how many colo- 
nists were there ? Where did they anchor ? What were the capes 
named, and why? What river did they name? What did they 
name their settlement? 

4. What was the character of the settlers ? How many died in 
four months ? Where was Captain Smith ? By whose intercession 
was his life spared ? 

5. What took place during the next two years? What did 
Smith maintain, and promote ? Why did he return to England ? 
What consequences ensued on Smith's departure? Who arrived 
■with supplies ? 

6. How was the government administered? When and where 
was a legislative assembly convened ? How was slavery intro- 
duced, and when ? 

7. How did the colonists of Virginia obtain wives ? 

8. How long did the Indians remain on friendly terms with the 
settlers ? In what manner did they prepare for an attack ? Were 
the English taken by surpx'ise ? 

9. What prevented the total destruction of the English ? What 
colonies were saved ? Which destroyed ? 

10. What led to the dissolution of the London company ? What 
did Virginia become? How were governors appointed? How 
did they govern ? What is said of Sir John Harvey ? 

11. What war broke out in 1G44, and how did it terminate? 
What did the people enjoy and possess during the existence of the 
Commonwealth? How were the governors chosen? 

12 What took place on the restoration of the monarchy? 



SETTLEMENT OF MASSACIIUS£TTS. 27 

SETTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 

1. The Plymouth company, to whom North Vir- 
ginia had been allotted, were unsuccessful in their 

first efforts, and a ship sent out by them was captured by 
the Spaniards. The next year two ships sailed for 
America, bearing emigrants to a plantation under 
the presidency of George Popham. They landed near the 
mouth of the Ktnnebec, and commenced their settlement. 
A dreary winter and several disasters discouraged the colo- 
nists, and the following year they returned to England. 

2. In 1614, Captain John Smith examined the 

1614:. ' ^ 

coast from Penobscot to Cape Cod, and named the 
country New England. He next endeavored to establish a 
colony, but was unsuccessful. His vessel was taken by 
French pirates, from whom he escaped in an open boat, and 
arrived safely in England. 

For several years no attempt was made by the Plymouth 
company to form settlements, and the first permanent colony 
in New England was made by the Puritans, a class of men 
who, despairing of religious liberty in England, had emi- 
grated to Holland, where they lived several years in exile. 
The wilds of America offered them an asylum, and, having 
returned to England to make arrangements for their voyage, 
the first colonists departed in a vessel called the Mayflower . 

The first settlement was made on the 21st of December, 
1620, and was named Plymouth. The colonists 

1620. ' -^ 

suffered from cold, sickness, and want of food, but 
they were not molested by the Indians. Massasoit, the 
chieftain of the nearest tribe, made a treaty with them, 
which was kept unbroken for more than half a century. 

3. In 1628 a settlement was made at Salem by 

1638. . ^. -^ 

a number of emigrants led by John Endicott. 



23 HISTOHY OI' THE UNITED STATES, 

The towns of Boston and Cliarlestown were founded sooa 
after tlieir arrival, and the colony was incorporated under 
the title of the "Governor and Company of .Massachusetts 
liay in New England." The early settlers endured many 
hardships, but they bore their numerous afflictions cheer- 
Fully, rejoicing in their freedom, and their enjoyment of 
rtligious liberty. 

4. Although the Puritans claimed freedom for 

1035. , , . o 1- . -1 

themselves m matters oi religion, they were unwil- 
ling to extend it to others whose faith differed from their 
own. Roger Williams, a young and zealous minister, 
differed from his brethren on this point. He held the 
doctrine that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, 
but never control opinion ; should punish guilt, but never 
violate the freedom of the soul. This doctrine was opposed, 
and Williams was banished from the colony. Much trouble 
was caused by the opposition to the opinions of the 
clergy made by Mrs. Ann Hutchinson. She was 
upheld by Governor Vane and Rev. «Tohn Wheelwright, 
and with the latter was compelled to leave the colony. 

5. In 1G43 the famous union of the New England 
colonies was established. This confederation was 

entered into for mutual protection and security, and com- 
prised the colonies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Plymouth, 
and New Haven. 

In 1675, a war broke out with the Indians, and 

1675. 

raged with great fury. Philip, the sachem of the 
Wampanoags, was a powerful and vindictive enemy, and for 
a full year the colony was kept in a state of terror and 
excitement. Troops from Plymouth and Massachusetts 
marched against the Indians, and Philip was driven from 
Mount Hope, and became a fugitive among the interior 
♦ribes of ^lassachusetts. 



E£TTLEMENT OF MASSACHUSETTS. 29 

0. The Narra^an setts liavin": aided Pliilip, the 
I fire, . ^ e r> 

Ii;«^Iish made vrar upon them, and troops wero 
«Gnt into their country, who destroyed their strongholds 
and burut their wigwams. Finally the Indians were sub* 
iued, and Philip's wife and son were made prisoners. 
Heart-broken, and ready to die, he was shot by a faithle&s 
Indian, and his captive son sold as a slave. Thus ended 
King Philip's War, which proved fatal to the Narragansetts, 
and to the powerful tribe of which he was the chieftain. 

7. The Acts of Navigation were considered an 
invasion of the rights of the colonies, and were 

resisted by the people of Massachusetts. This produced 

embittered feelings on both sides, and resulted in the 

forfeiture of the charter, which had been lonsr 

1684. ... ^ 

cherished with jealous watchfulness. The foilow- 
inff year, James IL became kino;, and Sir Edmund 

1685. 3 -^ ' ^ o7 

Andross was appointed governor of all New Eng- 
land. He was authorized to appoint members of 

1686. . ^ ^^ 

his council, and, with their consent, make laws 

and lay taxes. These laws were of the most oppressive 
character, and the colonists were in a condition little infe- 
rior to absolute slavery. 

8. But the revolution, which drove Kina; James 

1G88. ^ ' . ° , 

from hiB throne, restored liberty to the colonies, 
and Andross was seized and imprisoned. A new chartei 
was granted by King William, greatly enlarging the terri- 
tory of Massachusetts. By the old charter, the freemen of 
the colony elected their governor annually; by the new 
charter, he was appointed by the king : so that he was no 
l*)nger the representative of the people, but a royal agent. 

9. Durius: Kins William's War, the coionis^ts 

1693. . . 

suffered greatly from the incursions of the Indians, 
who were instigated in their hostilities by the Canadians. 



oJ HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Several expeditions had been planned by the colonists, 
which were generally unsuccessful. The only thing worthy 
of note was the capture of Port Royal and the subjugation 
of Acadia. But the peace of Ryswick caused for 
a time a suspension of hostilities, destined, however, 
soon to be renewed, in consequence of the conflicting claim? 
of France and England, to which we shall again revert in 
the progress of this history. 

Questions on the Settlement of Massachusetts. — 1. "What is said of 
the first attempt of the Plymouth company to form a settlement ? 
Give an account of the settlement on the Kennebec. 

2. What service was performed by Captain Smith in 1614? 
Vv'hat did he name the country ? Did Captain Smith or the 
Plymouth company establish colonies? By whom was the first 
pei'manent settlement made? When and where was it established ? 
What is said of the Indians ? Of Massasoit ? 

3. When and by whom was a settlement made at Salem ? What 
towns were founded soon after? What was the title of the colony ? 

4. What doctrine was held by Roger Williams? Why was 
Koger Williams banished ? Who opposed the opinions of the 
clergy ? By whom was she upheld ? What were Mr. Wheelwright 
and she compelled to do ? 

5. What colonies united in a league in 1643 ? What is said af 
Philip ? What troops marched against the Indians ? 

6. On what tribe did the English make war? What became 
>f Philip ? To whom did this war prove fatal ? 

7. How were the Acts of Navigation considered by the people ? 
In what did their opposition result ? Who became king in 1685 ? 
Who was appointed governor ? What was he authorized to do ? 
What was the character of his laws ? 

8. What became of Andross in the revolution which drove King 
James from his throne? V/ho granted a new charter? Who 
appointed the governor by the new charter? How was he 
appointed under the old charter ? 

9. By whom were the Indians instigated to make war on th<» 
colonists ? What place was captured and Avhat counti-y BuHjugatedt 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. dj. 

SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 

1. Wliile tlie London and the Plymouth companies were 
laying the foundations of empire in the Western Would, the 
Dutch were not idle. A powerful corporation, the Dutcli 
Kast India Company, employed Henry Hudson, an entev- 

prisine: navijjrator, to make discoveries. In 1(309, 
he sailed up the river which now bears his name, 
in consequence of which the Dutch claimed the territory. 

2. The year succeeding this discovery, several merchauts 
of Amsterdam fitted out a ship with merchandise, to traffic 

with the natives. In 1613, there were three or 

four rude hovels on the island of Manhattan, and 

this v/as the commencement of that great city which now 

counts its inhabitants by hundreds of thousands. The 

following; vear a rude fort was erected on the 

1614:. 

southern point of the island. In 1615 a settle- 
jnent was commenced on an island just below the present 
city of Albany. 

3. The country from the Delaware, or South* 

River, to C»pe Cod, was called New Netherlands, 

and the settlement of Manhattan now began to rise into 

some degree of importance. But the colony did 

not enjoy uninterrupted prosperity. Their limits 

were narrowed on the east by the English, and by the 

Swedes on the south, and they were on the brink of ruin 

from a desolating war carried on for more than two years 

by the Algonquin s. At last a solemn treaty was 

agreed upon, to the great joy of the settlers. 

Manhattan now began its career of prosperity, and aflbrded 

V:- the persecuted of every sect a city of refuge. 

* So called by the Dutcli settlers. 



32 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4. But the Ensrlish became too powerful to ba 

1650. . '^ , ^ . . 

reoisted. The Dutch were compelled to relinquish 

tleir claims to the territory of Connecticut, and half of 

LoD": Island. A lew years later, an En2:lish 

166*. ^ J y b 

squadron, under the direction of Colonel Richard 
Nicholls, approached the town, and demanded an acknow- 
ledgment of English sovereignty, promising the inhabitants 
security in life, liberty, and property. Resistance was 
useless, and New Netherlands became an English province. 
Manhattan was now known as New York, and Fort Orange 
was called Albany. 

5. In the next war between Eugland and Hol- 

1673. ^ 

land, a small Dutch squadron approached New 

York, and the city at once siirrendered, without opposition. 

After a military occupation of fifteen months, the territory 

was transferred to England, and the Duke of York resumed 

possession. Sir Edmund Andross now assumed 

the government, and ruled with despotic sway. 

He discouraged popular assemblies, and levied taxes without 

consent of the people. The duke, in consequence of the 

representations made to him by Wilham Penn, 

sent instructions to the governor to convoke a 

legislature. This assembly met in 16S3, and established 

the " Charter of Liberties." 

6. King James II., on his accession to the 
throne, refused to continue the concessions he 

had previously granted while Duke of York. Andross 
f continued his oppressive rule in New Y'ork until the revo- 
lution in England, which drove James from his 

1688. . ° ' 

throne, divested this petty tyrant of his delegated 
power, and sent him, a prisoner, to England. 

7. The peace of the colony was endangered by the hostile 
incursions of the French and their Indian allies, during 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW YORK. 33 

Kins: William's War, which commenced in 1689, 

t689. . . . 

and continued until the peace of Ryswick, in 
1697. From this time to the Ptevolution, New 

1697. 

York was a provincial government, under governors 
appointed by the English government. Among those most 
worthy of note, we find the Earl of Bellamont, an Irish 
jxjer, who had a kind heart, and sympathized with the 
efforts for popular freedom. His administration was the 
era of harmony and kind feeling, 

8. He was succeeded by the infamous Lord Cornbury, 
who endeavored to rule without regard to popular right or 
religious toleration. But all his attempts, as well as those 
of his successors who disregarded the just principles of 
government, were promptly met by the legislative assembly, 
who were ever watchful in resisting the encroachments 
of tyranny. 



Questions on (he Setdcmrrit of Xeiv York. — 1, By whom was Henry 
Hudson employed to make discoveries ? What river did he dis- 
cover and name ? Why did the Dutch claim the territory on the 
Hudson Kiver ? 

2. What was the extent of the settlement on Manhattan Island 
in 1613? "What great city occupies the same island? What 
settlement was made in 1G15? 

3. What was the extent of the New N«?therlands ? Who en- 
croached on their territory ? With whom were they at war I 
What is said of Manhattan ? 

4. What were the Dutch compelled to relinquish ? When did 
New Netherlands become an English province ? What was Man- 
hattan now called ? Fort Orange ? 

5. Did New York again fall into the hands ot the Dutch t 
What nations were at war ? How long was it retained ? To 
whom was the territory then transferred ? Who took possession, 
and who was governor ? How did he rule ? When was a legisla- 
ture convoked? What did they establish? 

4 



34 ni STORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

6. What did King James refuse to do on his accession to the 
jhrone? What became of Audross after King James was driven 
from the throne ? 

7. How long did King William's War continue ? Who invaded 
tlie colony during that war? What is said of Lord Bellamont's 
administration? 

8. By whom was he succeeded ? How did Lord Cornbury 
endeavor to rule ? Against what were the legislative assembly 
watchful ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

1. The country now constituting the state of New Hamp- 
shire was granted to Sir Ferdinand Gorges and John Mason, 

members of the Plymouth company, and in 162.3 a 
company of EngHsh merchants established perma- 
nent settlements on the Piscataqua River. Dover and 
Portsmouth are the oldest towns in the state. These, for 
several years, were unimportant fishing stations. 

2. The Rev. Mr. Wheelwright, who had been banished 
from Massachusetts for favoring the religious opinions of 

Ann Hutchinson, went to the head waters of the 
Piscataqua, and founded the town of Exeter, a 
little republic in the " vast wilderness," organized with a 
recognition of the principles of natural justice and religious 
k>]eration. 
j^^^j 3. In 1641 New Hampshire was annexed to 
Massachusetts. But the people not being Puri- 
tans, a different code of laws was adopted for their go- 
vernment, and the freemen of New Hampshire were not 
required to be church members. In 1679, New Ilamp- 
shire was separated from Massachusetts, and became a 
royal province. The next year a general assembly was 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 35 

convened at Portsmouth, and asserted its rights bj a 

solemn decree, which was totally disregarded by the 

,^^^ English government. Edward Cranfield, an avari- 

.*G80. . . 

cious and tyrannical man, was appointed governor. 
His whole administration is distinguished by efforts to 
extort money from the people which their representatives 
refused to grant, and the sturdy yeomanry resisted al^ 
attempts to collect the illegal taxes which the goveruot 
Lad levied. 

4. In 1690, the inhabitants, in convention, 

resolved to unite with Massachusetts, but the 
English government refused to grant any charter to New 
Hampshire. Samuel Allen, of London, purchased Mason's 
claims to the soil, and received the royal commission to act 
as governor. 

5. From this time, for a quarter of a century, the civil- 
history of the colony is nothing but a series of lawsuits 

about land. Complaints were made against the 

1699. . ^ . * 

governors, till New Hampshire and Massachusetts 
were both placed under the government of Bellamont, of 
New York. Finally, the yeomanry of the province gained 
quiet possession of the lands which their labor had redeemed 
from the wilderness. 

6. The colony suffered greatly from Indian depredations 
During King William's War, Dover was sacked and burned, 
ana many of the inhabitants were killed or carried as 
captives to Canada. 

Questions on the Settlement of New Hampshire. — 1. To whom was 
New Hampshire granted ? What settlements were first estab- 
lished ? In what year ? Which are the oldest towns in the state ? 

2. Why had Rev. Mr. Wheelwright been banished from Masea- 
chusetts? What town did he found? What principles did he 
recognise ? 



86 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. When was New Hampsliire annexed to Massachusetts ? Why 
was a different code of laws adopted for their government ? When 
was New Hampshire separated from Massachusetts, and what did 
it become? What did the assembly which met at Portsmouth 
assert ? Who was appointed governor ? What did he make efforts 
to do, and how was he met? 

4. What did the inhabitants resolve to do in 1690? What was 
refused by the English government ? 

5. Under what governor was New Hampshire placed in 1G99? 

6. From what did the colony suffer ? What town was burned ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW JERSEY. 

1. The Dutch, who occupied New York, claimed also 
!.he territory between the Hudson, or North lliver, to the 
/')elaware, or South River, including the present state of 
liew Jersey. These dominions were called by them New 

Netherlands. The southern cape of New Jersey 
was visited by Cornelius May, who named this 
point of land, and, ascending the river, built Fort Nassau, 
on Big Timber Creek, six miles south of Camden. 

2. The settlement of the eastern part of this state is 
involved in some obscurity. There seems to have been a 
trading station at Bergen as early as 1618, established by 

the Dutch. In 1651, Augustine Herman pur- 
chased the land from Newark Bay to the west of 
Elizabethtown, and in 1658 other purchasers ob- 

1 65 8. 

tained the large grant called Bergen, and the 
?avly station became a permanent settlement. 

3. The Duke of York had, a short time previously 

1664. . 

to the conquest of the New Netherlands, assigned 
to Lord Berkley and Sir George Carteret the land between 
the Hudson and Delaware. In honor of Carteret, who had 



SETTLEMENT OF NEW JERSEY. 37 

been governor of the island of Jersey, the province was 

called New Jersey, and the capital, being a cluster 

of four houses, was named Elizabethtown, in honor 

of Lady Carteret. Philip Carteret^ brother of the proprietor, 

WS13 appointed governor. 

4. The province increased in numbers, and nothing 
disturbed its prosperity till 1670, when payment 
of quit-rents on the settlers' lands was demanded. 
This they resisted, asserting that, as they had bought theii 
lands of the Indians, no payment of rent was justly due. 
While these difficulties were pending, the disaffected colo- 
^ „ nists sent deputies to an assembly which was 
held at Elizabethtown. That body displaced the 
governor, and appointed a young and frivolous man, his 
nephew, James Carteret, to succeed him. Philip Carteret 
hastened to England, and the colonists remained in undis- 
turbed possession of their farms.* 

5. In 1674, Berkley and Carteret were reinstated 
in possession of their province, but Lord Berkley, 

dissatisfied with his share, sold it for a thousand pounds to 
John Fenwick, in trust for Edward Byllinge. The next 
year, Fenwick, with a large company, set sail for the newly- 
purchased lands. Ascending the Delaware River, 
he landed on a pleasant, fertile spot, which he 
named Salem. But Byllinge was in embarrassed circum- 
stances, and could not retain his share of the province. 
It was accordingly sold to the Friends, or Quakers, 

1676. , . ; -V > 

who wished to establish a government where all 
men should be free from oppression. 

6. This portion was called West New Jersey, 
and the part retained by Carteret, East New 

* Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. II., p. 319. 

4* 



88 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Jersey. In 1682, William Penn, witli eleven 
other Friends, purcliased East New Jersey of the 
truatees of Carteret, and appointed Robert Barclay governor. 
In consequence of persecution in Scotland, large 
numbers of Presbyterians emigrated to East Jersey. 
7. In 1688, tlie prcmrietaries both of East and 

XGS8* 

West Jersey surrendered tlieir claims to govern- 
ment, and the province was ruled for a short time by the 
tyi'annical Andross. At the Revolution, the sovereignty 
merged in the crown, and for three years East New Jersey 
had no government whatever, while in West New Jersey 
the authority of the deputy governor was rejected by the 
people. Finally, the proprietors resigned all their 
claims, and the two Jerseys became united, and 
thenceforth became a royal province, the first governor 
being Edward Hyde, Lord Cornbury. But finally. New 
Jersey obtained a governor appointed by the king, 
and whose administration was entirely distinct from 
the adjoining province of New York. Lewis Morris was 
the first governor so appointed. 

Questions on the Settlement of New Jersey. — 1. Who claimed New 
New Jersey? By whom -was the southern cape of New Jersey 
visited ? Where did he build Fort Nassau ? In what year ? 

2. In what year was there a trading station at Bergen ? By 
whom was Bergen settled, and in what year ? 

3 To whom did the Duke of York convey the territory between 
the Hudson and Delaware ? Why was it called New Jersey ? 
What was the capital, and whence did it derive its name ? Who 
was governor ? 

4. Why did the people refuse quit-rents on their lands ? 

5. To whom did Lord Berkley sell his share ? Wliere did Fen- 
wick with a colony settle, and in what year ? To whom did 
Byllinge sell his share of the province ? 

6. What was this portion of the province called ? What was 



SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 39 

Carteret's share called ? Who purchased East New Jersey ? "Who 
was made governor ? 

7, What did the proprietors do in 1688? When were the two 
Jerseys united, and who was the first governor ? In what year 
did New Jersey obtain a governor solely for that province ? Who 
was the first governor so appointed ? 



SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. 
1. The limits of Virs-inia, by its second charter, 

1609. . & ' J' 1 

included all the soil which afterwards became the 
state of Maryland. The head of the Chesapeake was 
explored, and the settlements in Accomac were extended, 
and commerce was begun with the Indian tribes. A 

tradino; settlement seems to have been established 

1631. . . T^ 

on the river Patuxent, whose object was to carry 
on the fur trade with the Indians. 

2. An attempt was made to obtain a monopoly of this 

commerce, by William Clayborne, a surveyor in 
the employ of the London company. Establish- 
ments were formed on Kent Island, and also near the 
mouth of the Susquehanna. The same year, Sir George 
Calvert, Lord Baltimore, obtained a charter for the province, 
which was named Maryland, in honor of the queen. Hen 
rietta Maria. Before the patent passed the great seal, Sir 
George Calvert died, and his son Cecilius succeeded tc his 
honors and his fortunes. 

3. Leonard Calvert, brother of the proprietor, with about 

two hundred emigrants, sailed up the St. Mary's, 

some distance above its junction with the Potomac, 

where he purchased an Indian village of the natives, who 

removed and gave the settlers full possession. In the 



40 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

humble village of St. Mary's religious liberty found a 
peaceful home. 

4. The settlers of Maryland escaped the want, the priva- 
tion, and the hardship endured by many of the colonies, 
and its advance was proportionally rapid. In six months 
it had made more progress than Virginia had in six years. 
Under the mild institutions of Lord Baltimore, the desert 
wilderness bloomed with new settlements, and the Catholics, 
who had been oppressed by the laws of England, here 
found a peaceful asylum, and all religious sects were shel- 
tered from persecution. 

5. Nothing impaired the happiness of the colony but the 

conduct of William Clayborne. He refused to 

1635. . , '' 

submit to Lord Baltimore, and resolved to maintain 
his possessions by force of arms. In a skirmish which 
ensued, Clayborne's men were defeated. The colonial 
assembly passed an act of attainder against Clay- 
borne, and his estates were seized and forfeited. 

6. The Indians, alarmed at the rapid increase of the 

settlers, now commenced hostilities, and carried on 
a frontier war, which continued till 1644, when 
peace was established, and made durable by prudent legis- 
lation and firm humanity. But peace was of short con- 
tinuance in the colony, for the restless Clayborne 
excited a rebellion. The insurgents were at first 
successful, and compelled the governor to fly, and for a year 
held a dominion distinguished for disorder and misrule. 

7. In 1652, durins^ the Commonwealth, the 

1653. ° ' 

government was taken from Lord Baltimore, and 

placed in other hands, and for several years there was a 

constant struggle for the supremacy. Finally, a 

compromise was efiected between the contending 

parties, and government was surrendered to the agent of the 



SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND, 41 

proprietary. At the restoration of monarchy, the 

authority of Phihp Calvert was fully recognised. 
S. The claims of the proprietor were acknowledged from 

this time until his death, which took place in 1676. 

Cecilius Calvert, Lord Baltimore, the founder and 
the father of Maryland, devoted more than forty years of 
bis life to promote the happiness of the colonists, to protect 
th3 rights of conscience, and to establish, on the broadest 
platform, the principles of religious liberty. His struggles 
and success in establishing these principles, enrol his name 
among the great and wise benefactors of the human race, 
in all ages and in every clime. 

9. On the death of Cecilius, his son Charles succeeded 
1. 1 his title and estate. He had been governor of the colony 
for fourteen years, and had ruled with wisdom and modera- 
tion. He was now obliged to return to England, and during 

his absence discontents arose, and his deputies 
were deposed from office. 

10. King William now constituted Maryland a royal 

province, and the church of England was by law 
established as the state religion, to be supported 
by general taxation. St. Mary's ceased to be the capital, 
and Annapolis hereafter became the seat of government. 
The government continued to be a royal province till 1715, 
when it was restored to the proprietor, in whose family it 
remained till the Revolution. 

Questions on (he Setllement of Maryland. — 1, Where was the fiist 
settlement in Maryland? In what year? What was its object? 

2. Where did William Clayborne form settlements ? In what 
year did Lord Baltimore obtain a charter for the province ? Why 
was it named Maryland ? 

3. When and where did Lord Baltimore establish his colony? 
Who conducted the emigrants to their new home ? What did 



42 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Leonard Calvert purchase from the Indians ? What name waa 
given to the settlement ? 

4. How does the settlement of Maryland compare with the 
settlement of Virginia ? What is said of religious toleration ? 

5. What disturbed the happiness of the colony? What did 
Clayborne resolve to do ? What occurred in a skirmish ? 

6. What did the Indians do in 1642? How long did the war 
continue? Who excited a rebellion in 1645 ? 

7. From whom was the government taken in 1652 ? For what 
was there a constant struggle ? How was the question settled ? 
Whose authority was acknowledged at the P^estoration ? 

8. When did Lord Baltimore die ? What is said of his char- 
acter ? 

9. Who succeeded Lord Baltimore ? How long had he been 
governor, and what is said of his rule ? 

10. What was Maryland constituted during the reign of King 
William ? What was established as the state religion ? What 
became the capital ? When was the government restored to the 
proprietor, and how long did it remain in his family ? 



SETTLEMENT OF DELAWARE. 

1. The first settlement in Delaware was made bj the 
Dutch. A company was formed to make a settlement, and 

one of their number purchased the land extending 
from Cape Henlopen for more than thirty miles, 
and comprising the scJil of the two lower counties. 

2. This tract of land was soon after colonized. De Yrie3, 

the conductor of the expedition, planted a colony 
of more than thirty persons, near the present tow a 
of Lewes. After a year's residence, De Vries returned to 
Holland. After his departure, the settlers became embroiled 
with the Indians, who prepared an ambush, and murdered 
svery one of the emigrants. 



SETTLEMENT OF DELAWARE. 'tS 

8. Several years elapsed before any further attempts were 
made to form settlements. The Swedes now determined to 
establish a colony, and, availing themselves of the experience 
of Pet^r Minuits, who had been governor at Manhattan, 
they fitted out an expedition, which arrived in the 
Delaware Bay. They purchased the land extending 
from Purj^se Point, or Cape Henlopen, to the falls in the 
river Delaware, near Trenton. Their first settlement was 
near the mouth of Christiana Creek, at Fort Christiana, so 
named from the queen of Sweden. 

4. A large number of Swedes and Finns emigrated to 

the new settlement. Their plantations were ex- 
tended, and the governor established his residence 

on the island of Tinicum, a few miles below Philadelphia. 

Here a fort was built, and houses soon began to cluster 

around it. 

5. But the Dutch, who had long looked with jealous 

eyes on the Swedish settlements, sent a party who 

built Fort Casimir, on the site of New Castle. The 
Swedes considered this an encroachment on their rights, 
and Rising, the Swedish governor, availing himself of 
stratagem, obtained possession of the fort. The Dutch 
governor soon after sailed with a force of six hundred men 
into the Delaware, for the purpose of conquest. Resistance 
was useless, and the Swedes were compelled to surrendei 
their only colony, after seventeen years' possession. 

6. From this time until the Dutch were subdued 

by the Enghsh, Delaware was governed by deputies 
appointed by Stuyvesant. After the conquest of the Dutch, 

Delaware became a dependency of New York. It 

1664:. 

was afterwards conveyed by the Duke of York to 
William Penn, who landed at New Castle on the 
*®^^' 27th day of October, 1682. 



44 HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES. 

7. In tlie course of a few years the 'territories" of 
Delaware wished for a government independent of Penn- 
sylvania. Their request was acceded to by William 
Penn, and the lower counties became a separate 
colony, under Colonel Markham. But Fletcher, who 
assumed the control, once more united Delaware 

1693. ' 

to Pennsylvania. When the governrqpit was re- 

etored to Penn, Delaware still continued to send delegates 

to the Assembly. But in 1702, Pennsylvania 

convened its separate legislature, and the two 

colonies were never again united. 

Questions on the Settlement of Delaware. — 1. By whom was the 
first settlement made in Delaware? What was the extent of the 
purchase made in 1629? 

2. Where was the first settlement made, and bj whom ? What 
took place when De Vries returned to Holland ? 

3. When did the Swedes make a settlement? What was the 
extent of their purchase ? W^here was their first settlement ? 

4. Where did the governor establish his residence ? What was 
birilt on this island ? 

5. What was built by the Dutch at New Castle ? How did the 
Swedes view the building of the fort ? How did the Swedish 
governor gain possession ? What did the Dutch governor do ? 
What was the result ? 

6. After the conquest of the Dutch what did Delaware become? 
To whom was it conveyed by the Duke of York ? When did 
William Penn land at New Castle ? 

7. What did the "territories" of Delaware wish for? Who 
acceded to their request, and who became governor? When was 
Delaware reunited to Pennsylvania ? "When were the colonies 
finally separated ? 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 45 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 

1. The Dutch were the first to discover and occupy the 
banks of the Connecticut. The soil around Hartford was 

purchased from the natives, and a fort erected on 

1.033 

land within the present limits of that city. The 
territory had been previously granted to the Earl of War- 
wick ; it was afterwards held by Lord Say and Seal, Lord 
Brooke and others, as his assigns. 

2. A few months after the erection of the Dutch fort, 
the people of New Plymouth built a trading-house at 
Windsor, and carried on a fur trade with the Indians. 

Soon after, Mr. Winthrop returned from England, 

with a commission to build a fort at the mouth 

of the Connecticut. Previously to his arrival, settlements 

had been commenced by emigrants from the environs of 

Boston, at Windsor and Weathersfield. 

3. In the summer following, Rev. Thomas Hooker, and 

a large company, left Massachusetts, and, aftei 

a toilsome journey through the forest, laid the 

foundation of Hartford, on the " delightful banks" of the 

Connecticut. At the time of this settlement, the 

163T. TIM 

Pequod Indians were numerous and hostile, and 
the colonies were compelled to make war against them. 
This war terminated in the complete overthrow of the 
Pequods, and the destruction of the tribe. 

4. The following year, Rev. John Davenport 

and Theophilus Eaton founded a colony at New 

Haven. After a day of fasting and prayer, they rested 

their frame of government on a covenant that " all of them 

would be ordered by the rules which the Scriptures held 

5 



46 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

forth to tliem." In 1639, the free phmters of the 

1639. ' ^ 

colony met in a barn, and agreed upon a code of 
laws, and appointed seven persons, in whom the government 
of the colony was invested. 

5. The increasing numbers of the English coTnpktely 

surrounded the Dutch fort, and overwhelmed the 

1650. 

feeble settlement which they had planted. Governor 
Stuyvesant therefore went to Hartford, and concluded a 
treaty, by which New Netherlands extended to the state 
line, and the eastern part of Long Island was ceded to 
Connecticut. 

6. The colony on the Connecticut promptly acknowledged 

the claim of Charles II., on his restoration to the 

1863. ' 

throne of his fathers, and sent John Winthrop the 
younger to obtain a charter from the king. A charter was 
readily granted, and, connecting New Haven with Hartforu 
in the colonj^, it was extended from Narragausett River to 
the Pacific Ocean ! 

7. The union of the two colonies was not, however, 

immediately effected. New Haven was unwiliina; 

to become merged in the larger colony of Hartford, 
but the wise counsels of Winthrop finally prevailed, and the 
two colonies became united, and continued for many years 
prosperous, and in full enjoyment of their political and 
religious liberties. 

8. When New Netherlands was surrendered to the English, 
and the Duke of York obtained its possession, Andross 

proceeded with armed sloops to Connecticut, and 
endeavored to obtain possession of the fort at Say- 
brook. But he was overawed by the firmness of the colonial 
troops, and obliged to desist. On the accession of James IT. 
to the crown, Andross was sent to govern the colony, and 
iemand the surrender of the charter. Earnest pleadings 



SETTLEMENT OF CONNECTICUT. 47 

were made against the demand, and tlie discussion 

1687. ' 

was prolonged till nightfall. The charter lay on 
the table. On a sudden, the lights were extinguished, and 
Joseph Wadsworth, availing himself of the darkness, seized 
the charter, and concealed it in the hollow of an oak. which 
was older than the colony, and long survived it, under the 
venerated name of the Charter Oak. 

9. Andross now ruled with absolute power till the Revo- 

lution, which drove his master from the throne, 

1690 

and threw him into a prison. The discolored 
charter was then taken from its hiding-place, an assembly 
convened, and Connecticut resumed her freedom. But the 

Enolish crown having^ claimed the command of the 

169S. ° 

militia, conferred the office on the governor of 
New York, and directed him to assume the duties of that 
office. 

10. In pursuance of his instructions, Fletcher went to 

Hartford, and ordered the militia to assemble on 

1693 

the parade ground. He then appeared at the 
head of the line, and ordered Bayard, of New York, to 
read his commission. Captain Wadsworth, who claimed 
("he command, ordered the drums to beat some of the old 
marches well known to veterans. Fletcher commanded 
silence, and said : " I will not set my foot out of this 
colony, till I have seen his majesty's commission obeyed." 
Ijiit Wadsworth was resolute, and, as the excited people 
came swarming into Hartford, Fletcher retired, and went 
back to his government in New York, and the English 
government soon after renounced its claim. 

Questions on the Settlement of Connecticut. — 1. Who first occupied 
tlie banks of the Counecticut? What purchase was made frora 
the natives, and what was erected? To whom had the territory 
previously been granied ? By "whom was it afterwards held ? 



48 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

2. Where did the people of New Plymouth build a trading- 
bouse? Where were settlements soon after made? 

3. Desoibe the settlement made by Rev. Mr. Hooker. "What 
tribe of Indians were hostile ? How did the war terminate ? 

4. Who founded the colony of New Haven ? On what did they 
rest their frame of government ? 

5. What treaty was made at Hartford by Governor Stuyvesant? 

6. W^hat was granted by the charter of Charles II. ? 

7. By whose counsels were the colonies united ? 

8. What did Andross endeavor to obtain? Why did he desist? 
On the accession of James II. who was sent to govern the colony, 
and what did he demand ? Was the charter surrendered ? What 
became of it ? What was the tree called ? 

9. How long did Andross rule ? What was done after Andross 
'vas imprisoned ? 

10. What did Governor Fletcher do? What was ordered by 
l.'aptain Wadsworth ? What was th« result? 



SETTLEMENT OF RHODE ISLAND. 

1. When Roger Williams was proscribed in MassaclmsettSj 

he left his home in Salem, and was, throufrh tbo 
severity of an inclement winter, an inmate of tho 
dense and pathless forests. Part of the time he wa* a 
guest with Massasoit and other friendly Indians. 

2. Next June, with five companions, he embarked on 
Narragansett Bay, in a frail Indian canoe, and gave to his 
landing-place the name of Providence, to express his trust 
in the mercy of the Divine Being. In the course of two 

years, he was joined by others who fled from perse- 
cution to his asylum. The tract of land comprising 

Providence Plantation was conveyed to him by a deed from 

the chieftain of the Narrasxansetts. 



SETTLEMENT OF RHODE ISLAND. 49 

3. Tho friends of Ann Hutcliinson, who hai been ban- 
ished from Massachusetts, led by John Clarke and Williara 
Coddington, were welcomed by Koger Williams, and the 
chief of the Narragansetts made them a gift of a beautiful 
island. Here they laid the foundation of Portsmouth, 
and the following year they commenced the settlement 
of Newport. 

4. The new colony* was excluded from the union of 

the New England colonies, and was obliged to 

1643. 

' appeal to the mother country for protection 

lloger Williams, therefore, went to England, and obtained 

from the Parliament a free and absolute charter, 

" with full power and authority to govern and rule 

ibemselves." 

5. When Roger Williams had obtained from, the Par- 
liament the confirmed union of the territories which 

now constitute the state, he left John Clarke in 
England, as the agent of the colony. On the 
restoration of Charles II., a charter of unexampled libe- 
rality was granted to the colony, which embraced all the 
principles of civil and religious liberty for which it 
had contended. This charter continued to be the state 
constitution until 184'2, with the exception of a short 
period, when the tyranny of Andross established his own 
arbitrary rule. 

G. The colony of Ehode Island was an asylum for the 
persecuted of every sect and clime. The benevolent 
principles of its founder were fully carried out, and, favored 
by its wise and beneficent charter, it grew and flourished, 
and though the smallest in extent of territory among the 

*The colony was originally called "Rhode Island and Provi- 
dence Plantation." 
5* 



50 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

states of our Federal Union, it stands among the foremost 
for the benevolence and wisdom of its institutions. 

Questions on the SetlUment of Rhode Island. — 1. What did Roger 
Williams do, when proscribed in Massachusetts? 

2. What did he do in June, 1636? What did he name liisr 
landing-place ? Why did he call it Providence ? Who conveyed 
the land to him ? 

3. What towns were settled by the banished followers of Ann 
Hutchinson ? Who presented them with the island which gives 
name to the state ? 

4. What did Roger Williams obtain from the Parliament ? 

5. What was granted by Charles 11. ? How long did this 
charter constitute the state government? 

6. For what was the colony an asylum ? 



SETTLEMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 

1. The first attempts to form settlements in North Caro- 
lina were made by Raleigh, on the island of Roanoke, as 

related in a former part of this history. After the 
1587. . . ^ "^ 

entire destruction of the second colony, no further 

attempts were made to form settlements until 1653^ when a 

company was formed for the purpose of emigrating 

from Virginia. This project does not seem to have 

succeeded, and the first settlement appears to have been 

made by a party of New England men, who, in a little bark,' 

had found their way into the Cape Fear River, 

16G1. *^ . . 

purchased a tract of land from the Indian chiefs, 
and planted a town on Oldtown Creek, on the south side 
of Cape Fear River. 

2. The overflow of population in Virginia extended into 



SETTLEMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA. 51 

North Carolina, and a few straggling families had fixed 

their abodes within its hmits as early as 1660. But the 

first reorular settlement from Vir<2;inia was mad^ on 

16G3. ® . ^ 

Albemarle Sound, in 1663. A separate government 
was established over this settlement, and William Drummond 
was appointed to be its governor. 

3. The settlement on Cape Fear River was not entirely 
abandoned, but it did not prosper. Several planters ol 

Barbadoes emigrated to Cape Fear River, near the 
former settlement, and laid the foundation of a 

town, every vestige of which has long since disappeared. 

The feeble remnant of the New England colonists united 

with the new settlers. 

4. Lord Clarendon and his associates obtained from the 
king a new charter, which granted them an immense extent 
of territory, and conferred on them the most ample privi- 
leges, A constitution for the government was prepared 
by the distinguished writer and philosopher, John Locke, 
which was totally at variance with the popular wishes, and 
contrary to the genius of free institutions. It was tried, 
but never carried out, and finally abandoned as impracticable 

and useless. William Sayle was appointed governor 
by the proprietaries. 

5. The colony continued to grow, and received every year 
fi'esh accessions of emigrants — men who fled from persecu- 
tion, and here found an asylum. The first trouble 
was an attempt made to enforce the navigation 

laws, which were very oppressive. This attempt hastened 
an insurrection. The people rose and imprisoned the 
deputies of the proprietaries, and organized a government 
for themselves. Culpepper, the leader of the insurrection, 
was seized, carried to England, tried by an English jury 
and acquitted. 



52 niSTOllY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

6. An act of amnesty was granted, and Sothel, one of the 

proprietaries, now assumed the government. His 
sole object was the acquisition of wealth, and, with 
this view, he cheated his partners, and plundered the colo- 
nists. The people bore with his infamous exactions for 
five years, when he was deposed, and driven from 

1688. , *^, 

the colony. 

7. The constitution framed by Mr. Locke having been 
practically inoperative, was now formally abrogated by the 

proprietaries. Soon after, John Archdale, a mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends, became governor, 

and the colony prospered under his wise and benevolent 

administration. 

8. A number of French, German, and Swiss families 

liavino; made settlements in the vicinity of the 

1711. ® / 

Koanoke River and Pamlico Sou id, the Tuscaroras 
considered it an encroachment on their territory, and, 
attacking their settlements in the dead of night, set fire 
to their cabins, and murdered the unfortunate settlers. 
Relief was obtained from South Carolina. A body of 
troops from that province defeated the Tuscaroras, who fled 
to Lake Oneida, and joined the confederacy of Indians, 
D^aking the sixth nation in that celebrated union. From 
this time the colony enjoyed peace and prosperity. 

Questions on the Settlement of North Carolina, — 1. Where and by 
whom were the first attempts made to form settlements ? In what 
year was the first permanent settlement made ? Where and by 
whom ? 

2. Where was a settlement made in 1663 ? 

3. What is said of the settlements on Cape Fear River ? 

4. What did Lord Clarendon obtain from the king ? Who pre- 
pared a constitution ? What is said of it ? Who was governor ? 

5. What brought ou an insurrection ? What was done by the 
people ? 



SETTLEMENT OF 80UTII CAROLINA. 53 

tf. What act was passed ? Who assumed the government ? 
What was his sole object? How long did the people submit, and 
what did they then do ? 

7. What was done by the propinefaries? Who became governor ? 
What is said of his administration ? 

8. What Indian war broke out? What was the cause? What 
became of the Tuscarora Indians ? 



SETTLEMENT OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 

1. The his<x)ry of the unfortunate settlement on Port 

Royal Entrance has been related. Its horrors were 

1563. \ 

not forgotten, and the succeeding expedition care- 
fully avoided its shores, for the more genial ones of the 
river May. The next settlement was made by the English 
proprietaries, more than a century afterwards. In 
January a number of emigrants set sail for Carolina. 
They were conducted by Joseph West and William Sayle, 
the latter of whom was appointed governor. They entered 
the harbor where Ribault had anchored, and the site where 
the Huguenots had erected the fortress of Carolina. But 
they did not settle here. After a brief sojourn, they sailed 
into Ashley River, and, on " the first high land,'' began 
their town, of which at this day not a vestige rtmains, 
except the line of a moat, intended as a defence against 
the Indians. 

2. On landing, they established a form of government, 
and refused to accept or act under the grand model of 
Locke's Constitution, which had been prepared for this 
colony, as well as for its northern neighbor. The first site 
for a town not suiting for commerce, it was deserted, and tbe 



54 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

neck of land known as Oyster Point became the 

tG80. 

site of a village, named in honor of the king^ and 
now the opulent city and the great commercial mart of 
Charleston. 

3. African slavery was introduced in the earliest period 

of this colony, and throve, from the nature of the 

1671. . 

climate, much more rapidly than in the more 
northern provinces. Large numbers of emigrants came 
from different parts of Europe, and it is remarkable, that 
Carolina became an asylum for the persecuted French 
Protestants, agreeably to the design of Coligny one hundred 
years previously. 

4. Several years were spent in continued struggles 

between the proprietaries and the people. The 
former wished, and labored, to introduce the 

Constitution which had been prepared with so much care, 
and the latter absolutely refused to accept any 
of its provisions. James Colleton was appointed 

governor, but his office, his rank, and his wealth, produced 
neither respect nor obedience. The Revolution of 
1688 brought about an absolute repeal of his 

attempts to govern, and, when WiUiam and Mary were pro- 
claimed as the sovereigns, Colleton was banished 
leeo. , , . ^ ' 

from the province. 

5. Seth Sothel, who had been driven from North Carolina, 

now became governor, and, the following year, the 

Huguenots were allowed all the rights of citizens in 

the colony. But tranquillity was not restored, and anarchy 

and confusion prevailed. In 1 693, the fundamental 

1693. , . ^ , , IIP,,. 

constitution was abrogated, and, the toilowing year, 
John Archdale was appointed governor. He conciliated 
parties, established friendly relations with the neighboring 
Indians and with the Spaniards of Florida, and elicited 



SET'i LE:\IENT of south CAROLINA. 55 

from tlie freemen of the province the declaration that 
Archdciie, " By his wisdom, patience, and labor, had laid a 
film foundation for a most glorious superstructure." 

6. The proprietaries, disappointed in establishing an here- 
ditary nobility, determined to establish by law the " church 

of England," and, obtaining a majority in the 

Assembly, they excluded all dissenters from any 

share in legislation or government. The dissenters appealed 

to the House of Lords, and the intolerant acts were nullified 

by royal authority. 

7. The wars of Europe involved the colonies in hostilities 
with the nations which had settled on their borders. Thus 

South Carolina became involved in war with Florida, 

1 TO/2 

and the governor headed an expedition for the 
reduction of St. Augustine. While besieging that place, 
two Spanish vessels appeared at the mouth of the harboi", 
when Governor Moore raised the siege, and retreated. He 

next marched against the Indians on the Bay of 

1705. 

Apalachee, and defeated them and their Spanish 
allies, and gave to Great Britain a claim to the country now 
constituting Georgia. 

8. The next year a French squadron attempted 

an invasion of Charleston, but was repelled by the 

bravery of its inhabitants. A war broke out with the 

Yamasee tribe of Indians, by an indiscriminate massacre of 

the inhabitants of the frontier settlements. They continued 

their depredations, but were finally defeated in a 

desperate conflict on the banks of the Salkehatchie. 

9. The oppressive measures of the proprietaries, and 

their total disregard of the rights of the people, led to a 

revolution. The Assembly voted themselves a 

convention, elected James Moore governor, and 

renounced the government of the proprietaries. The latter 



56 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

forfeited tlieir charter, and it was abros-ated by the 

lords of the regency and royal authority, and 

Francis Nicholson was appointed governor. In 1729, 

North and South Carolina became distinct pro- 

17S9. . 

vinces, and, the following year, an alliance was 
entered into with the Cherokees. The covenant promised 
*' tliat love should flow like the rivers, and peace endure like 
the mountains ;" and it was faithfully kept, at least for one 
generation. 

Questions on the Settlement of South Carolina. — 1. What is said 
of the first settlement at Port Royal ? How long was it before 
another was made ? What took place in 1670? Did they settle 
at Port Royal ? Where was the first settlement ? Does any ves- 
tige of their town remain ? 

2. What place was selected for a town in 1680? In honor of 
whom was it named? 

3. What is said of African slavery ? Foi whom did South 
Carolina become an asylum ? 

4. What caused struggles between the proprietaries and the 
people ? Who was appointed governor, and what is said rf his 
authority ? 

5. Whc now became governor ? What is said of the Hugui lots ? 
fV'hen was the fundamental constitution abrogated ? Repe t the 
declaration made respecting Governor Archdale 

6. What form of religion did the proprietaries seek to estal Ush ? 
What did the dissenters do ? 

7. What expedition was led by the governor in 1702 ? De cribe 
his march against the Indians. What territory was gain« i bj 
this war ? 

8. What did a French squadron attempt ? What war took \ fice ? 

9. What led to a revolution in 1715 ? After the abi-ogatiou . t the 
charter, who became govei'nor ? When did North and South : aro- 
lina become distinct provinces ? With what tribe of Indiai rva^ 
ft treaty made? 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 57 



1643. 



I64b3. 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, 

1. Tlie settlements of New Sweden, wliieli com- 
menced near Christiana Creek, in Delaware, gradu- 
ally extended into Pennsylvania. In 1643, Jolm 
Printz, the Swedish governor, built a handsome and 
Cs mmodious mansion on Tinicum Island, a short distance 
bf^iow the mouth of the Schuylkill. The village of Upland, 
now Chester, was among the earliest settlements, and the 
southern joart of Philadelphia was a Swedish village. Here, 
in the vicinity of the Navy Yard, they erected a log 
church,* several years before the arrival of the 
English colony. 

2. The name of Pennsylvania is derived from William 
Penn, a member of the Society of Quakers, or Friends. 
His father, Admiral Penn, is distinguished in English 
history, for the conquest of Jamaica, and as a brave and 
jkilful naval commander. He bequeathed to his son William 
% claim on the government for sixteen thousand pounds. 
Penn applied for a grant of a territory on the west bank 
of the Delaware, and with the king, who was embarrassed 
for money, this was an easy way to cancel the debt. 

3. Accordingly, a charter for the territory was obtained, 
and a royal proclamation soon announced to all the inhatit 
ants of the province, that William Penn, their absolute 
proprietary, was invested with all powers necessary for it*3 
government. 

* On the site of the present antiquated structure, which was 
built in 1700. 
6 



58 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4. The proprietary also issued his proclamation 
to the settlers who were occupying a small portion 

of his territory, and commissioned William Markham as 
his agent. Soon after, the first company of settlers left. 
England, and landed, in December, in Upland, now Chester. 

5. By a grant of the Duke of York, the three 
lower counties (or Delaware) came under his juris- 
diction. In the year following the arrival of the first 
emigrants, Penn himself embarked for his territory, and 
landed at New Castle, on the 27th of October, 1682. The 
day after his landing, he addressed the inhabitants, recom- 
mended sobriety and peace, and pledged himself to grant 
civil freedom and liberty of conscience. 



PENN LANDmO IN PmLADELPHIA. 



6. From thence he proceeded to Chester, and, in an 
open boat, to the site which he intended for a city. Here 
the great city of Philadelphia had its humble origin, and 
here the famous treaty with the Indians was made, and the 
promise given by the sons of the forest, that they '^ would 



SETTLEMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA. 59 

live in love with William Penn and his children, as long as 
the sun and moon should endure/^ 

7. The first Assembly met at Chester, on the 4th 

1683. f ' 

of December, and, during a session of three days, 
enacted three laws. Tha next Legislative Assembly met at 
Philadelphia, in the Friends' meeting-house. A 
charter of liberties was adopted, which was one of 
unexampled liberality. It lodged the largest amount of 
povrer in the people, reserving only a negative vote to the 
proprietary. 

8. Penn now returned to England, leaving the 

16S4. . . . 

government in the hands of five commissioners of 

the royal council, with Thomas Lloyd as president. Soon 

after his return to England, King Charles IL died, and 

wa5 succeeded by his brother, the Duke of York. The 

new king (James II.) was friendly to Penn, and, after the 

Pievolution which placed William and Mary on the 

throne, the government of Pennsylvania was taken 

in the hands of the kino;, who commissioned Colonel 

1691. 

Fletcher to govern the province. Penn himself 
was several times imprisoned, for his supposed adherence 
to the fortunes of the banished sovereign, 

9. Finally, the entire innocence of William Penn was 

fully established, and he was again restored to his 

1694. -^ . • 1 -r, 1 

proprietary rights. But the pressure of poverty 
prevented his immediate return to Pennsylvania, and 
^larkham was invested with the executive power. Before 

the close of the century, William Penn was with 

1699. . . . . 

his wife and family in Pennsylvania. The house 
he occupied is still standing in the city of Philadelphia. 

10. Penn now prepared a new frame of govern- 

1701. , , ^ ^ ° 

ment, in which he conceded all the political pri- 
vileges asked for by the people. Keligious liberty was 



60 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

established, and the province became an asylum for the 
oppressed of every clime and creed. He now returned to 
England, leaving Andrew Hamilton as deputy governor. 
This groat and good man never again returned to his 
province. He died in London, in 1718, leaving his interest 
in Pennsylvania to his children. It continued in the Penn 
family until the Revolution, when their claim was purchased 
by the commonwealth for the sum of ^580,000. 

Questions on the Settlement of Pennsrjlvania. — 1. When and by 
whom was the first Eui'opean settlement made in Pennsylvania? 
Name other settlements made by the Swedes. 

2. Who was William Penn ? IIow did lie obtain the territory T 

3. What royal proclamation was made? 

4. When did the first colonists leave England ? Where did 
.hey land ? 

5. When did Penn arrive, and where did he land ? 

6. After leaving New Castle, where did he proceed ? Y/hen was 
Philadelphia founded ? What promise was given by the Indians ? 

7. Where was the first Legislative Assembly held ? The second ? 
What is said of the charter of liberties ? 

8. When did Penn return to England ? "Why was the govern- 
ment taken out of his hands ? 

9. When the government was restored, who acted as deputy 
governor ? When did Penn revisit the province ? 

10. What did Penn grant to the people ? When did he return 
to England ? When and where did he die ? How long did the 
province belong to the Penn family ? What was then paid for 
the claim? 



SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 61 



SETTLEMENT OP GEORGIA. 

1. We come now to the settlement of the thirteenth and 
l&st oft/he original colonies. James Oglethorpe, a membei 
«f Parliament, and a philanthropist, desirous of procuring 
an asylum for multitudes who were poor and helpless in 
the country of their birth, associated a number of gentlemen 

with himself for that purpose. They obtained a 
charter from George II., which erected the country 
between the Savannah and the Alatamaha, and from the 
head springs of those rivers due west to the Pacific, into 
the province of Georgia, and placed it for twenty-one years 
under the guardianship of a corporation '" in trust for the 
poor," 

2. In November, General Oglethorpe himself, with about 
one hundred and twenty emigrants, left England, and 
arrived at Charleston. From thence he sailed to Port 

Royal. Then, ascending the Savannah River, he 
chose as the site of his town the high bluff on 
which the city of Savannah is built. 

3. Oglethorpe now entered into treaties of alliance with 
the neighboring tribes of Indians, and, by his kindness, con- 
ciliated the sons of the forest, and gained their confidence. 
The trustees having invited the persecuted Protestants of 

Europe to settle in Georgia, great numbers camo 
from Germany, the Highlands of Scotland, and 

other portions of Europe, and formed settlements in this 

now thriving province. 

4. The same year, the town of Augusta was laid out, 
and Oglethorpe visited England. In 17o(3, he returned, 

6- 



62 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with three hundred einio-rants, and the colony 
was constantly receiving accessions. Among other 
benevolent enterprises, the celebrated preacher, George 
Whitefieid, founded an orphan asylum at Savannah. 

5. The boundaries between the province and Florida 
QOi being clearly defined, Oglethorpe, with a party, built a 
fort, named St. George, on an island at the mouth of the 
St. John's River, which he claimed to be the southern 
limits of Georgia. The Spaniards of Florida threatened 
war, and claimed the whole territory as far as the sound 
of St. Plelena. But hostilities were avoided for a time by 
negotiation. The English Fort St. George was abandoned, 
and the St. Mary's E-iver ultimately became the southern 
boundary of Georgia. 

6. In 1739, England declared war against Spain, 

1739. ) o o r » 

and Oglethorpe again extended the boundaries of 

Georgia to the St. John's Ptiver, and, early the next year, 

invaded Florida. lie attacked St. Augustine, but 

174:0. . , . 

in consequence of the sickness of his troops, and 
their ill success, he was obliged to return to Georgia. 

7. The Spanish government now resolved to 
invade Georgia. A fleet and armament from Cuba 

mailed towards the mouth of the St. Mary's, and shortly 
afterwards entered St. Simon's Harbor, successfully passing 
the English batteries. A party of Spaniards landed and 
marched against the town of Frederica, but were defeated 
by Oglethorpe and a company of Scottish Highlanders; a 
second party advanced to the rescue, but they were also 
defeated and compelled to retreat with a loss of two hundred 
men. But the Spaniards being embarrassed by divisions, 
deceived by an ingenious stratagem, and fearful of surprise, 
rc-euibarked and left the coast, much to the joy of the 
colonists. 



SETTLEMENT OF GEORGIA. 63 

8. After a year of peace, General Oglethorpe, 
having fulfilled his mission, returned to England, 
where he lived to extreme old age, beloved and venerated 
by all his contemporaries for his nobleness of nature, and 
his great benevolence of character. After the departure 
of Oglethorpe, the colony enjoyed peace and uninterrupted 
prosperity until the Revolution, which sundered its " poli- 
tical ties/' and formed it into a sovereign and independent 
state. 

Questions on the Settlement of Georgia. — 1. Who was the founder 
of Georgia ? From whom did he receive a charter ? Describe the 
extent of territory granted to him. 

2. Where did he make his settlement? In what year? 

3. What is said of his alliance with the Indians ? What class 
of emigrants now settled in Georgia ? 

4. What did Oglethorpe do in 1734? When did he return? 
What is said of the colony ? 

5. What fort was built by Oglethorpe? Give its location. 
What did the Spaniards claim ? Wiiat ultimately became the 
boundary ? 

6. What war was declared in 1739? What was done by Ogle- 
thorpe ? What town was attacked ? 

7. Describe the invasion of Georgia. Where were the Spaniards 
defeated? What did they do soon after? 

8. In what year did Governor Oglethorpe return to England? 
What iurther is said of him? AVhat is said of the colony afU? 
bib departure ? 



64 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



COLONIAL HISTORY. 

FROM THE COMMENCExMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH CEN- 
TURY TO THE END OF THE FRENCH WAR IN 1703. 

1. T^e have now traced the history of the original thirteen 
colonies from their discovery and first settlements, to a period 
in which they were firmly established as valuable appendages 
to the British crown, and from which they were finally 
alienated by the tyranny and folly of the latter. 

2. In May, 1702, England, now governed by 
Queen Anne, declared war against both France 

and Spain, and our colonies were again involved in ita 
horrors. Deerfield, in Massachusetts, was surprised 

1704:. .' ' ^ 

in the dead of night by a party of French and 
Indians, and most of the inhabitants massacred or carried 
into captivity. For several years these savage hostilities 
continued, and the settlers were frequently surprised, and 
scalped or murdered by their cruel enemies, who respected 
neither sex nor age. 

3. But now a fxcet from Endand, joined by 

1110. ^ o > J J 

another from New England, and four colonial regi. 
ments, sailed from Boston, and, in a few days, anchored in 
the harbor of Port Royal, the garrison of which soon capit- 
ulated, and marched out with the honors of war. In hon^/r 
of the queen, the place was named Annapolis. 

4. The following year a large fleet sailed from 

1111. ° *^ ^ , 

England, under command of Admiral Walker, far 

the reduction of Canada. An army jvas also assembled at 
Albany, to co-operate with the fleet in its attack on Monc- 



KING George's war. 65 

real. But the fleet never reached its destination. The 
obstinacy of the admiral, in rejecting the advice of the 
pilots, caused the wreck of several vessels, and the loss of 
nearly nine hundred men. This dis:ister put an end to tho 
expedition. Two years afterwards, the war was 
terminated by the treaty of Utrecht, and Acadia, 
or Nova Scotia, was ceded to the English. 

5. But the peace of Utrecht did not make a final settle- 
ment of the boundaries between France and England. 
Each power laid claim to the vast extent of territory 
extendinoj west. The colony of New York estab- 
lished a commercial post at Oswego,* which was 
afterwards converted into a fortress, in defiance of the 
Iroquois, and the protest of France. This latter power did 
not look indifferently on English encroachments. In 1731 
the French erected the fortress of Crown Point, on 

1731. . , ' 

Lake Champlain. This post defended the approach 
to Canada by water, and gave security to Montreal. 

6. A party from Canada soon afterwards arrived 

1138. . 

at that point where the Niagara empties into Lake 
Ontario, and here they built Fort Niagara. It was now 
seen that the ambitious designs of the French aimed to 
connect their possessions in Canada with tho distant one 
of Louisiana, and that to effect this they were establishing a 
line of communication from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. 

7. In 1744, the war, commonly called Kinsr 

I : 4:4, , 

George's War, broke out between England and 
France, and, as a matter of course, extended to their 
American colonics. Before the intelligence of the declara- 
tion of war had been received in New England, a body of 
French from Cape Breton surprised the English garrison 

* Fort on Lake Ontario. N. Y. 



C6 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATE3. 

at Canseau, and, after destroying the fort, carried eighty 
men as prisoners of war to Louisbourg. 

8. Shirley, the governor of Massachusetts, resolved on 
an enterprise for the capture of Louisbourg. An 
army from Massanhusetts and Connecticut, under 
command of William Pepporell, met at Canseau, and soon 
after landed on the island of Cape Breton. During the 
siege on land, Admiral Warren, with a fleet, guarded the 
approaches to the harbor, and, after the capture of a sixty- 
four gun ship laden with military stores, the governor of 
the city sent out a flag of truce, and offered terms of 
capitulation, which were accepted, and the city, the fort, 
and the batteries were surrendered to an army composed 
of fishermen, farmers, and mechanics. 

9. The next year, the French sent a large naval 

1746. . 

force, with orders to ravage the whole coast; but 

gicknesS; tempest, the sudden death of its commander, and 

other disasters, frustrated their intentions. The 

1747. ' 

French fleet sent the following year was captured, 

10. Nothing further was effected by either of the eon- 

tending powers, and a treaty was concluded at 

Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748. By the terms of the 

treaty, all places captured during the war were to be restored, 

and, much to the grief of the colonists, Louisbourg again 

reverted to the French. 

11. But the French still pursued their former policy. 

They built forts, encroachinir on land which clearlv 

3 7 50. 

belonged to English grants, and forbid English 
traders trafficking with the Indians. In pursuance of this 
tlireat, several traders were seized and carried as prisoners 
to their fort on Presque Isle,* and some to Canada. 

* Presque Isle, on Lake Erie, Pennsylvania. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 67 

12. The tribes of Indians friendly to the Eodish 
had given repeated warnings of French encroacli- 

ments, and suggested the importance of building a fort at 
the junction of the Alleghany and Munongahela Kivers. 
But two years were allowed to pass aw;iy, before active 
mea.sures were adopted by either the colonial or British 
governments. 

13. Governor Dinwkidie of Viririnia resolved to 

175a. ... 

send " a person of distinction to the commander 
of the French forces, to know his reasons for invading the 
British dominions, while peace subsisted." He selected 
George Washington for this important mission, who, although 
not yet twenty-two years of age, was better qualified for its 
duties than any other man in Virginia. 

14. In the middle of November, with an interpreter and 
four attendants, and an old pioneer of the wilderness as a 
guide, he started from Will's Creek (now Cumberland). 
Here he left the abodes of civilized life, and journeyed 
tlirough immense forests, across mountains, rocky ravines, 
and swollen streams. In nine days he reached the fork of th( 
Ohio, then a wild, unbroken solitude. Here the party crossed 
the Alleghany, and proceeded towards Venango, where they 
were hospitably received and entertained for several days. 

15. At Fort Le Boeuff, French Creek, Washington was 
courteously received by the French commander, St. Pierre, 
to whom he delivered Dinwiddie's letter. On his return, 
their horses were found to be so fjitigued, they left them, 

and proceeded on foot. On the 16th of January 
he reached Williamsburg, and delivered the reply 
oi' the French commander to Governor Dinwiddle. 

16. The reply of tlie French commander was courteous, 
but evasive. Major Washington had heard enough on liis 
t'xpedition to be satisfied that the French only wished to 



68 HISTORY OF THE X^NITED STATES. 

G:am time, and that they intended to descend the 

1754. . 

Ohio early in the spring, and take possession of the 
country. A company was therefore despatched to the fork 
of tlie Ohio to build a fort, and a body of troops enlisted 
and sent out under the command of Washington, now made 
lieutenant-colonel. 

17. The party at the fork of the Ohio had not half com- 
pleted their fort, when they were surprised by a French force 
from Venango, and compelled to withdraw. The French 
then completed the fort, which was named Duquesne,* in 
honor of the governor of New France. 

18. Washington with his detachment made a toilsome 
progress through the wilderness. On his arrival at the 
Great Meadows, he made an intrenchment, and sent out 
scouts to reconnoitre the position of the enemy. Assisted 
by some friendly Indians, they found the hiding-place of 
the French detachment. Coming on them by surprise, an 
action ensued, which resulted in the defeat of the French, 
ten of whom were killed, including Jumonville, their leader. 
This was the first battle of the French and Indian War. 

19. But while the French were constantly increasing in 
numbers, Washington received no reinforcement, and was 
compelled to fall back on a palisaded fort, which was named 
Fort Necessity, on account of. the famine attendant on its 
construction. Here he was attacked by a large body of the 
enemy, and, after considerable skirmishing, the French 
commander proposed terms of capitulation, which were 
accepted by Washington, and the fort was abandoned. 

20. In the followino^ year, the British govern 

1755, n J 7 o 

ment prepared for military operations in America, 
and General Braddock, a veteran soldier, was sent as com- 

* Duquesne — spelled thus by Irving and Bancroft. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 69 

niander of all the forces in the colonics. On his 

arrival, a convention of colonial governors was held 

at Alexandria, and four expeditions against the French 

-fere agreed upon. They were to be sent against Fort 

Duquesne, Niagara, Crown Point, and Nova Scotia. 

21. General Braddock set out from Alexandria on the 
20th of April. He was joined by Colonel Washington at 
Fredericktown, who went as one of his aides-de-camp. On 
the 19th of May the army reached Fort Cumberland, from 
which place military roads had to be cut through the woods 
for their passage. Their progress was slow and toilsome, 
and it was the 9th of July when the advanced army crossed 
the Monongahela, ten miles from. Fort Duquesne. 

22. Colonel Washington had advised the general how to 
proceed against the wily Indian, lurking in ambush, and 
striking blows when least expected. But his advice was 
rejected with scorn, and the army held on their way, agree- 
ably to the modes of European warfare. Suddenly the 
dreadful war whoop burst upon them, and, at the same time, 
a storm of bullets from a concealed enemy. 

23. The regular soldiers were cut down by the Indian 
rifle, and most of the officers fell while leading on their 
men. The Virginia troops scattered themselves, and did 
good service behind trees, from which they could fire on 
the enemy. Colonel Washington was a conspicuous mark 
for the rifle. Two horses were shot under him, and four 
bullets passed through his coat. But he was preserved by 
Divine Providence for future usefulness. 

24. Braddock did all he could to turn back the tide of 
battle. But five horses were shot under him, and he him- 
self received a mortal wound. The regulars then fled in 
confusion, and were only saved from total destruction by 
the bravery of Washington and the provincial troops. The 



70 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

defeat was total, and the remains of the army cod- 

1755. . . ' . . y , . 

tinued its retreat until it met the other division 
under Colonel Dunbar. General Braddock died four day!! 
after the battle at the Great Meadows. *" His grave may 
Btlll be seen near the National Road, one mile west of 
f Fort Necessity.'' Colonel Dunbar, on whom the command 
devolved, destroyed the military stores, and retreated to 
Philadelphia. 

25. The expedition against Nova Scotia was conducted 
by Generals Monckton and Winslow. They took possession 
of the country, and compelled the unfortunate inhabitants 
to leave their homes, and all the products of their industry, 
ajid scattered them through the colonies. 

26. The ti'oops destined for the reduction of Crown Point 
assembled at Albany. The artillery, ammunition, and stores 
were conveyed by water to the portage on the Hudson, where 
ii fort was commenced, called Fort Edward. Here part of 
the troops remair>ed under General Lyman, while the main 
force proceeded under General Johnson to Lake George, 
vrhere they encamped. A body of French troops, led by 
the Baron de Dieskau, marched against them. Colonel 
Williams, with a thousand men, was detached to attack the 
enemy. An action ensued, the English were repulsed, and 
their leader killed. The action then became general, and, 
after a long contest, the French gave way. Baron Dieskau 
was wounded so as to be unfit for service, and taken pri- 
soner. In this action the brave Chevalier St. Pierre, for- 
merly commander at Venango, was killed. Johnson did 
.lot follow up his victory, but having built a fort, which he 
named William Henry, he returned to Albany. J 

* Bancroft. 

f Fort Necessity, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. 

X Irving's Life of Washington. 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 71 

27. The defeat of General Braddock put an end to all 
vigorous measures against the fort at Niagara. Storms, 
sickness, the desertion of the Indian allies, and other adverse 
causes, compelled General Shirley to abandon his projected 
enterprise and return to Albany. The ill success 
of the British left the frontier exposed to all the 
horrors of savage barbarity, and the inefficiency of the 
British ministry in providing the means of defence, gave 
the enemy the advantage in all their expeditions. Oswego 
was besieged by a large French force under General Mont- 
calm, and the garrison were obliged to capitulate. Sixteen 
hundred became prisoners of war, and were sent to Mont- 
real. *Forty-five persons were killed; twelve in action, 
and the others by Indians as they endeavored to escape in 
the woods ; but beyond this there was no massacre. 

28. General Montcalm, with a large body of 
French and Indians, now besieged Fort William 
Henry, which was defended by Lieutenant-Colonel Monru, 
a brave officer. General Webb, at Fort Edward, only fifteen 
miles distant, with an army of five thousand men, refused 
to send any assistance, and the old hero was obliged to 
surrender. By the terms of capitulation, they were to 
march out with the honors of war, to abandon all but their 
private effects, and an escort was to attend them on their 
departure. 

29. But the savages, regardless of treaties, commenced 
the work of plunder and massacre, as the soldiers marched 
out. Many were tomahawked, and many made prisoners. 
Montcalm and his officers did all in their power to arrest 
the massacre. " Kill me,'' he said, *' but spare the English 
who are under my protection." Six hundred troops reached 

* Bancroft. 



72 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Forfc Edward, while four hundred who had fled to the 
French camp, were sent under an escort, and an officer 
despatched to the Indians to ransom their prisoners. 

30. The campaio;n of 1757 was marked with 

1758. . ^ ^ 

disaster to the colonists, and disgrace to the arms 
of England. But the succeeding campaign was more 
auspicious. The best prime-minister* who ever wielded 
the vast power of the British Empire, now held the reins 
of government, and he selected the bravest generals and 
most able commanders in the realm for the subjugation 
of the French power in America. The energies of Pitt 
infused new life into the army and the colonies, and now 
victory succeeded victory. 

81. Louisbourg was invested by a powerful army under 
Crcneral Amherst. The siege was commenced on the 8th 
of June; the garrison bravely defended this important 
place, but they were obliged to surrender; and, on the 27th 
of the same month, the English took possession of Louis- 
bourg, Cape Breton, and Prince Edward's Island. The 
garrison became prisoners of war, and, with the sailors and 
marines, numbering in all more than five thousand men, 
were sent to England. 

32. A powerful force under General Abercrombie ad- 
vanced against Ticonderoga. They passed down Lake 
George in boats, and with artillery on rafts. Soon after 
their landing, in a skirmish with a party. Lord Howe was 
killed, being the first who fell in the engagement. An 
attack was made on the fort, but the assailants were repelled 
with great slaughter, and obliged to retreat. The battle 
was lost in consequence of the inefficiency of the British 
general, who was not to be found when his presence wa/i 

* William Pitt, afterwards Lord Chatham 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 73 

needed to rally tlie fugitives, whereas Montcalm, 
the French commander, with a watchful eye, super- 
intended every movement on the battle-field. 

33. Abercrombie, with the niain army, remained at Lake 
Greorgc in supine inactivity. During the year he was 
superseded by General Amherst, who was appointed com- 
2aiander-in-chief. Soon after the failure to capture Ticonde- 
roga, Colonel Bradstreefc proceeded against Fort Frontenac, 
on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. The garrison sur- 
rendered, and the Americans destroyed the stores which 
they could not carry off, and, after razing the fortress, 
returned to Lake George. 

34. Pitt, anxious to wipe out the disgrace of Ticonderoga. 
now directed an expedition against Fort Duquesne. General 
Forbes, with a body of provincial troops, was intrusted with 
the command. Colonel Washington, at the head of the 
Virginia troops, contributed mainly to the success of the 
expedition. *' General Forbes would never, without Wash- 
ington, have seen the Ohio."* 

35. When within fifty miles of the fort, Major Grant 
was sent to reconnoitre, and ascertain the force of the 
enemy. But he was suddenly attacked by a large body of 
French and Indians. The detachment was routed. Two 
hundred and ninety-five were killed or prisoners, and tha 
remainder were saved from destruction by the coolness and 
courage of Captain Bullitt of Virginia. At length the 
irmy arrived at Fort Duquesne, which they found deserted, 
ihe garrison having set fire to the fort the night before, an<i 
retreated down the Ohio. On the 25th of November, 
Washington, with the advanced guard, marched in and 
planted the British flag on its yet smoking ruins. By 

* Bancroft's History of the United States, Vol. iV., p. 308. 
7* 



74 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

common consent the place was named Fort Pitt, in horior 
of the prime minister, and on its site has sprung up tne 
fli^urishing city of Pittsburgh. 

86. The following year several expeditions were 
planned to capture the strongholds of the enemy. 
The first executed was aii-ainst the fort at Nias-ara. General 
Prideaux embarked at Oswego on the 1st of July with a 
large body of troops, and commenced the siege, which wjis 
pressed with vigor. On the 20th of July the general was 
killed by the bursting of a cannon, and Sir William Johnson 
now conducted the siege with skill and courage. Being 
told that a French force was marching against him, he sent 
out a detachment, which routed the enemy, and, on the 
following day, the fort surrendered, and the garrison marched 
out with the honors of war. 

37. In the month of July, General Amherst advanced 
against Ticonderoga and Crown Point. The garrisons, 
unable to retain these posts, abandoned them, and made a 
stand at the Isle aux Noix for the protection of Montreal. 
The general occupied his time in repairing the dismantled 
forts, and then turned back, instead of proceeding against 
the enemy. 

38. Wolfe, with eight thousand men, ascended the St. 
Lawrence in June, and, on the 26th, disembarked on the 
island of Orleans. Montcalm commanded the post, with 
troops more numerous than the assailants, but not so well 
disciplined. Wolfe established batteries at the west point 
of the island, and at Point Levi, on the south bank of the 
St. Lawrence. Anxious for a decisive action, on the 9th 
of July he crossed over in boats from the island to the north 
]jank of the St. Lawrence, and encamped below the Mont- 
morency. 

39. On the 18th of July Wolfe made a reconnoitering 



THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 75 

expedition up the river, and passed Quebec uu- 
harmed. Returning to Montmorency, he resolved 
to attack Montcahn in his camp. But his grenadiers were 
repulsed with a loss of four hundred men. But in the 
mean time it was resolved to land and surprise the enemy. 
This was effected in the darkness of the night, on the 
loth of September. The landing took place near Cape 
Diamond. Wolfe was among the first who landed and 
climbed the steep ascent, where they put to flight a 
sergeant's guard posted at the summit, and by the break 
of day his army was in battle array on the Plains of 
Abraham. 

40. Montcalm immediately summoned all his forces, and 
led them to the attack. The English reserved their fire 
until their assailants were within forty yards, and then 
discharged deadly volleys. They, however, suffered from 
the lurking Indians^ who singled out the officers. Wolfe 
was wounded by a ball in the wrist. Binding a handker- 
chief around the wound, he led on the grenadiers to charge 
the foe with fixed bayonets. He now received a wound in 
his breast, which proved to be mortal. Being borne off to 
the rear, water was brought to quench his thirst. " They 
run," cried one of the attendants, ''see how they run I" 

' Who run ?" demanded the dying general. " The enemy, 
sir, they give way everywhere." Giving some orders to the 
officers round him, he exclaimed, " Now I can die in peace." 
These were his last words. Montcalm vras mortally wounded 
while endeavoring to rally his flying troops, and died the 
following morning. 

41. Preparations were now made for an assault on the 
city, but the garrison were dispirited, and the inhabitants 
clamorous for a surrender. Quebec therefore capitulated 
on the 17th of September, and was taken possession of by 



73 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

31. Who laid siege to Louisbourg ? Of A;vhat places liJ tli«> 
English take possession ? 

32. Describe General Abcrcronibie's assault on Fort Ticoniie- 
roga ? What officer fell ? Who lost the battle ? Who commanded 
the French ? 

38. By whom vras Abercroftibie superseded? Describe the 
expedition of Colonel Bradstreet. 

34. Who marched against Fort Duquesne ? What is said cf 
Colonel Washington ? Kepeat the quotation. 

35. What is said of Major Grant's recounoitering party ? Who 
came to their rescue? As the army approached what did the 
French do ? W^hat was the place named, and what city stands on 
its site? 

36. Describe General Prideaux's siege of Niagara. WMiat caused 
his death, and who succeeded him ? Why did he send out a 
detachment ? 

37. Describe Amherst's expedition against Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point. 

38. Where did General Wolfe disembark? Where did he estab- 
lish batteries? What is said of Montcalm? What did Wolfe do 
in July ? 

39. Describe Wolfe's further movements. What was done on 
the 13th of September? 

40. Describe Montcalm's attack. What is said of General 
Wolfe ? WHien informed of the flight of the enemy, what did he 
say ? What is related of Montcalm ? 

41. When did Quebec surrender ? What did ^he French attempt 
in 17(30? "What town was surrendered the same year? 

42. Wliat is said of the war ? What was surrendered by the 
treaty of 1763? What did France retain? What lid France 
cole io Spain ? 



TROM THE FBENCn WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 



FROM THE FRENCH WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. 

1. The colonists were conoTatulatino: themselves 

1 7 63. . .^ . ^ 

on peace, when an Indian insurrection broke out. 
TLe Delawares and Shawnees, with other tribes, were fore- 
most, led by an active warrior named Pontiac. An attack 
was made at a concerted time, on all the posts from Detroit 
to Fort Pitt. The frontiers of Pennsylvania, Maryland, 
and Virginia were laid waste, and a considerable time 
elapsed before the frontier was restored to any degree of 
tranquillity. 

2. The British ministry, on the termination of 
the war with France, determined to maintain a 

large standing army in America, and to tax the colonies for 

its support. They revived and enforced the navigation 

kws, which were ruinous to American commerce, as the 

system closed their ports against foreign vessels ; obliged 

them to export their productions to British ports, to import 

European goods from England, and in English ships. 

Parliament now imposed duties on sugar and other West 

[ndian products imported into the colonies. 

8. The colonists sent agents to England to re- 
lies. ^ - 

monstrate against these impositions, but without 
avail ; for now the Stamp Act was brought forward by the 
ministry, and passed by Parliament. This act required 
that all notes, bonds, and other legal instruments should be 
executed on stamped paper, which should pay a duty to the 
crown. " Unless stamps were used, marriages would be 
null, notes of hand valueless, ships at sea prizes to the first 



80 nisTORY or the united states. 

captors, suits at law impossible, transfers of real estate 
invalid, inheritances irreclaimable."* 

4. The authors of the Stamp Act never dreamed of the 
furious opposition which awaited their favorite measure in 
the colonies. The day on which the "Act" was to go into 
operation was ushered in with tolling of bells, and other 
signs of mourning. The stamp officers were resisted, or 
burnt in effigy, and, by common consent, not a single stamp 
was used in one of the colonies. The merchants of New 
York, Philadelphia, and Boston resolved to import no more 
British manufiictures,*unless the Stamp Act should be 
repealed. 

5. The next year a change took place in the 
British ministry, and the Stamp Act was repealed, 

to the great joy of the colonists. There was, however, a 
clause in the repeal, which declared that the king, with the 
consent of Parliament, had the power and authority to make 
laws of sufficient force and validity to " bind the colonies, 
and people of America, in all cases whatsoever." 

6. The discontent of the colonists was excited 
by other Acts of Pai-liament. One imposed duties 

on glass, red and white lead, painters' colors, pasteboard, 
and tea, and declared an American revenue expedient. 
Another act authorized naval officers to enforce the naviga- 
tion laws. These and other oppressive laws were resisted 
by the colonies as subversive of their charters, and a viola- 
tion of the principles of constitutional liberty. 

7. The General Court of Massachusetts sent a circular to 
other colonial assemblies, to unite with them in measures 
of redress. The governors of these colonies then dissolved 

* Bancroft. 



l"i<OM TiJE FRENCH ^VAP. TO THE REVOLUx'ION. ?l 

these legislatures, and thus increased the excitement. A 
petition to tlie governor of Massachusetts, to convene the 
legislature, having been rejected, the inhabitants of Boston 
a.sseinbled in " town meeting," and voted to forbear the use 
and importation of British goods, while the tax remained 
in force. 

8. The British government found that the colo- 
nists remained true to their principles, in spite of 
threats and coercive measures. Taxation without being 
represented in the aifairs of the government, was an en- 
croachment they would not submit to. They were deter- 
mined to withstand all efforts on the part of the miniscry 
having a tendency to abridge their freedom. The ministry, 
on the other hand, determined to apply the strong hand of 
power in compelling obedieuce. Accordingly, in September, 
a squadron, with two regiments of soldiers and artillery, 
appeared in Boston harbor. 

9. On the 1st of October the troops were landed, and 
paraded through the town. Some of the troops were en- 
camped on the Common, others were quartered in the State 
House, and a portion in Faneuil Hall. The inhabitants 
refused to furnish quarters, and the approach of winter 
cMigcd the governor to hire houses for the soldiers' winter 
lodgings. 

10. For more than a year the troops in Boston 
remained in inactivity, and the ministers of the 
British crown did nothing to satisfy the demands of the 
colonists. But the people were everywhere active and 
untiring. Every colony gave its direct approval of the 
course of Massachusetts, and its determination to resist 
tyranny. 

11. Distuvbanct>s now frequently occurred between the 



82 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

citizens and soldiers. On the 5th of ]March a 

lt70. 

conflict ensued, when the soldiers fired on the 
inhabitants, killed three, and wounded eight others, two of 
them mortally. The Boston Massacre added another link 
CO the chain of grievances which already oppressed a loyal 
and confiding nation. Parliament now repealed the taxes 
on glass, paper, painters' colors, and everything except tea. 
The king's friends retained that duty rather to assert a 
claim to tax America, than from any prospect of a lucrative 
revenue. But in America the obnoxious principle still 
existed, and the people refused to use the taxed article. 
No tea was therefore imported. 

12, The East India Company now made prepa- 
rations to send large cargoes of tea to America. 

Philadelphia began the work of preventing its lauding. 
Its inhabitants denied the right of Parliament to tax Ame- 
rica, condemned the duty on tea, and declared every one 
who favored the tax an enemy to his country, and requested 
the agents of the East India Company to resign. The 
people of New York resolved the tea should not be landed. 
The people of Boston passed similar resolutions, and re- 
quested the consignees to send the ships back. But they 
equivocated, and hoped to gain by delay. The custom- 
house refused a clearance, the governor refused his permis- 
sion, and the people prepared foi the struggle. On the 
Might of the 6th of December, a band of men disguised as 
Indians took possession of the three tea ships at the wharf, 
broke open the chests, and emptied the contents into the 
bay, without any injury to the vessels. 

13. The general opposition in America to the 
principle of taxation, had embittered the king and 

ministry against all the colonies; but this last bold act eon- 



FROM THE FRENCH WAR TO THE REVOLUTION. SS 

ceutrated all their wrath on the devoted town of 

17 7 4. 

Boston. An act was passed (called the Boston 
Port Bill) by which all lading and unlading of goods should 
cease in the town and harbor, on and after the 4th day of 
June, and the collection of customs be transferred to Salem. 
Another act decreed that all judges and magistrates should 
be appointed by the king. It was also enacted, that any 
person indicted for crimes might be sent to another colony, 
or to G-reat Britain, for trial. 

14. These oppressive acts of the British ministry served 
6ut to strengthen the bonds of union throughout the colo- 
nies. It was resolved to hold a general congress of the 
different provinces. This body assembled in Philadelphia 
on the 5th of September. It was composed of fifty-five 
delegates, representing all the colonies except Georgia. 
They adopted a series of resolutions, as a " declaration of 
colonial rights/' in which were enumerated their natural 
rights to the enjoyment of life, liberty, and property, and 
their rights as British subjects. They also agreed to enter 
into a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exporta- 
tion agreement, and they sent an address to the king, 
another to the people of Great Britain, and a memorial to 
the inhabitants of British America. Having finished theii 
labors, they adjourned on the 26th of October. 

15. In order to enforce the obnoxious laws, and intimi- 
date the people of Massachusetts, General Gage had been 
appointed military governor, and he occupied Boston xnth 
an army, to compel obedience. But he had no power 
beyond the town. The colonists were firm in their de- 
termination to resist the arbitrary decrees of king and 
parliament, and they were everywhere arming and pre- 
paring fur the 3xpected contest. The power of Great 



84 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Britain was at au end, and tlie united colonies 
were then on the eve of becoming free and inde- 
pendent, in consequence of the unwise and unjust policj 
of what was then regarded as the mother country. 

Questions on Colonial History from the French Wor to the Revohi- 
Hon.— I. What Indian tribes made war? Who was their leader? 
What colonies suffered most ? 

2. ^Vhat was determined by tlie British ministry? What re- 
strictions were imposed by the navigation laws? What duties 
were imposed ? 

3. What act was passed in 1765 ? What was required by this 
act? Recite the quotation. 

4. How was the Stamp Act received in the colonies? What 
was done by the mercliants ? 

5. What was done the next year? What clause was contained 
in the repeal ? 

6. What duties were imposed in 17G7? What other act gav« 
)ffonce ? 

7. What was voted by the inhabitants of Boston ? 

8. What measure did the colonists refuse to submit to ? What 
did the ministry do? 

9. Wlien and where were troops landed? 

10. Y/hat is now said of the people ? 

n. What took place on the 5th of March ? What was done by 
Parliament? What is said of tea? 

12. What did Pliiladelphia do to prevent the landing of tea? 
New York? Boston? 

13. What was enacted by the Boston Port Bill? What other 
acts were passed ? 

14. When and where did the first general congress meet ? 
What did they adopt? What was agreed upon? When did they 
adjourn? 

15 Who was appointed military govei^nor of INIassachusetts J 
Why was he sent? What were the colonists doing? 



THE REVOLUTION. 85 



THE REVOLUTION. 

i. Tlie people of tlie colonies had failed in 
19?5. ^ ^ .... 

every attempt at conciliation; tlieir petivioas were 

ijpurned, and their remonstrances disregarded, and now 
^liere seemed to be no resource left them but an appeal to 
arms. Preparations were made on both sides for approach- 
ing hostilities, but nothing decisive occurred until the 19t,h 
of April. General Gage determined to surprise and destroy 
the magazine of military stores at Concord, about eighteen 
miles from Boston. 

2. For this purpose a body of troops was despatched, in 
the silence and secrecy of night, under command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Smith, and took the road to Concord. But, 
though General Gage used every precaution to conceal this 
expedition from the inhabitants, and issued strict orders 
rJiat none should leave the town, yet messengers were sent 
out, and signals given to alarm the country. When the 
advanced party arrived at Lexington, they found about 
seventy persons in arms, drawn up in two ranks, on the 
villi) ge green, near the church. 

3. Major Pitcairn rode in front, and cried out, " Disperse, 
you rebels, throw down your arms, and disperse I" He then 
discharged his pistol, and gave orders to his men to fire. 
The order was immediately followed by a destructive fire 
of musketry. The British then proceeded to Concord, and 
destroyed the military stores which the colonists had nol 
previously removed. While thus engaged, the inhabitants 
of the neighboring towns were hastening to join the Concord 
militia. 

8* 



80 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




MAJOR PITCAIRN AT LEXINGTON. 



4. Colonel Smith now made preparations for his 
retrograde march to Boston, and the Americans 
for a galling fire, which was kept up until they reached 
Lexington. Here Lord Percy, with a large detachment, 
came to the relief of the exhausted troops, and, after a 
short interval for rest and refreshment, continued the re- 
treat. The firing was renewed by the pursuers until the 
British reached Charlestown Common, when General Heath, 
who had taken the command, brought the provincials to a 
halt. In this memorable battle the British loss was two 
hundred and seventy-three, in killed, wounded, and missing, 
while that of the Americans was eighty-eight. 

5. The cry of the blood shed at Lexington and Concord 
«?cnt through the whole land, and multitudes hastened to 
the relief of their brethren of Massachusetts. General 
Gage and his army were closely besieged in Boston, and 
every avenue to the surrounding country was strictly guarded. 
When the news reached Georgia, that colony joined tho 



THE REVOLUTION. 87 

niiioo, thus makin*;- thirteen colonies joined to 
resist the oppressions of the British government. 

6. As war was now considered inevitable, it was resolved 
to surprise the old forts of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, 
which commanded the approach to Canada. A party of 
men enlisted for this purpose, under the command of Colonel 
Ethan Allen, who arrived at Ticonderoga on the morning 
of the 10th of May. Guided by a boy of the neighborhood, 
they rushed through a sally port-hole, and gave three cheers, 
which roused up the sleeping garrison. The commander 
appeared at his door, and asked x\llen by what authority 
he acted. " In the name of the great Jehovah, and the 
Continental Congress," exclaimed Allen. The fort was 
immediately surrendered. 

7. Colonel Warner, second in command to Allen, was 
sent against Crown Point, which surrendered without re- 
sistance. A detachment took possession of Skenesborough. 
Kow Whitehall, and captured a schooner. Colonel Benedict 
Arnold was sent in this schooner to capture St. John's, which 
he effected, and took a sloop of war, with two brass six- 
pounders and seven men. Thus did this band of patriots 
gain the command of Lakes George and Champlain, and 
open the great highway into Canada. 

8. On the 10th of May, but a few hours after the sur- 
render of Ticonderoga, the Continental Congress again met 
in Philadelphia. They elected Peyton Randolph president, 
but that gentleman being obliged to return to Virginia. 
John Hancock, of Massachusetts, was selected to succeed 
him. A federal union was formed, vesting in Congress the 
power of making peace or war, of entering into treaties and 
alliances, and of Ie2;islatin2; on all such matters as regarded 
the general security and welfare, and George Washingtoo 
was elected commander-in-chief. 



88 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

9. While Congress was in session, great Bventa 
were transpiring in Boston and its vicinity On 
the 25th of May several transports and ships of war arrived 
from England, bringing large reinforcements under Generals 
Howe, Burgoyne, and Clinton. General Gage now deter- 
mined to take the field, and dislodge the Americans who 
were besieging the royal army in Bostcui, But the pro- 
vincials, anticipating such a movemant, sent out a force to 
throw up an intrenchment on Bunker Hill. On the night 
of the IGth of June, the party, under command of Colonel 
Prescott, set out in fulfilment of this duty, but finding that 
Breed's Ilill was nearer to Boston, and had a better com- 
mand of the town and shipping, it was determined to fortify 
that position instead of Bunker Hill. 

10. Early on next morning the British beheld the Ame- 
ricans at their work, and commenced firing upon them. 
As nothing was effected by this cannonade, a large detach- 
ment under command of Major-General Howe was sent to 
dislodge the provincials. The enemy advanced in two 
columns, discharging a heavy fire of musketry, but, in 
obedience to General Putnam's orders, the Americans re- 
served their fire till the enemy were within thirty paces. 
When the British came within the prescribed distance, a 
deadly fire was poured upon them from muskets, rifles, and 
fowHng-picces. The enemy were thrown into confusion, 
and precipitately retreated. 

11. The British now prepared for a second attack. 
Charlestown was set on tire, and wrapped in a general 
conflagration, while the enemy ascended the hill to storm 
the redoubt. They were received as before; whole ranks 
cut down by the destructive fire of the provincials, and 
again compelled to retreat. They now made their third 
attack, when, the ammunition of the proviucialL being 



THE REVOLUTION. 89 

expended, Colonel Prescott gave tlie order to re- 
treat, which they did iu good order. The British 
now gained the redoubt, to them a dear-bought victory. 
Major Pitcairn fell, mortally wounded, as he was entering 
the works, and the enemy's total loss was one thousand and 
fifty-four, including many officers. The American loss w;is 
four hundred and fifty, among whom was General Warren, 
one of the noblest and purest minded patriots. 

12. After General Washington's appointment to the chief 
command, he set out for IMassachusetts. On his way, in- 
telligence met him of the battle of Bunker Hill, and the 
noble stand made by the inexperienced militia. On the od 
of July he took formal command of the army at Cambridge. 
Here he found a body of raw militia, totally inade([uate to 
carry on a siege, and sadly deficient in clothing and military 
liupplies. He now urged on Congress the necessity of 
supplies, took measures to strengthen the fortifications 
around Boston, and improve and perfect the discipline 
of his army. 

13. Preparations were made for the invasion of Canada. 
Arnold, who had assisted in the capture of Ticonderoga, was 
sent with a body of troops, and, after a toilsome march 
through the wilderness, arrived at Point Levi, near Quebec, 
which he could at once have captured had he been able to 
cross the river. When he did so, and drew up his army on 
the Heights of Abraham, the garrison was strongly rein- 
forced. Arnold, therefore, was obliged to withdraw, and 
wait for the main body of the army. 

14. The other expedition was conducted by General 
Schuyler, who had sent out a reconnoitering party under 
Colonel Allen and Major Brown. The former, with a small 
force, attempted the capture of Montreal, but they were 
repulsed, made prisoners, and treated as rebels and outlaws, 



9U His:o:iY 0¥ the united states. 

unworthy of the courtesy shown to prisoners of 
war. Colonel Allen himself was loaded >dth 

irons, and sent to England, where he endured a rigorous 

captivity. 

15. General Schuyler was now attacked with serious ill- 
ness, and the expedition was conducted by Montgom<iry, 
the second in command. He pressed on and laid siege to 
St. John's, on the Sorel lliver, sending a detachment t<7 
Fort ChambHe, which was captured, with a quaislity of 
powder and other military stores. The garrison of St. 
John's, hard pressed, and obtaining no reli9f, was *»bliged 
to surrender, and Montgomery proceeded to Montreal^ ^hich, 
unprepared for defence, immediately submitted. 

16. Montgomery now placed garrisons in Montreal I and 
the captured forts, and, with suc^ of his troops as he could 
persuade to accompany him, proceeded down the St Law- 
rence to co-operate with Arnold in the attack on Quebec. 
Their united forces did not exceed nine hundred men with 
whom they commenced the siege ; but being unable to make 
a breacli in the walls, an assault was determined on. Before 
daylight on the 81st of December, in the midst of a driving 
snow-storm, attacks were made on the oppoeite sides of the 
lower town by Montgomery and Arnold. Montgomery 
advanced along a narrow beach on the river to a picket and 
block-house, both of which were deserted on his approach. 
He now paused a moment to urge on his troops, who were 
stumbling along the difficult pass, exclaiming, " Quebec is 
ours." He again advanced, until, within forty paces of the 
battery, a single cannon, loaded with grape-shot, was dis- 
charged, and the brave general and one of his aids were 
killed on the spot. 

17. The soldiers, on the death of their commander, re- 
treated in confusion, and abandoned their half-won battle- 



THE REVOLUTION. 91 

field Arnold, on the other side, had entered thfl 
town, but was severely wounded when near a 
battery, and was carried off. Captain IMorgan took the 
command, and stormed the battery. But the death of 
M )ntgomery and retreat of his troops enabled the En^ilish 
to send large reinforcements, and a severe contest followed, 
when Morgan and his gallant band were compelled to sur- 
render as prisoners of war. 

18. Arnold, with the remainder of the army, retired to a 
short distance from Quebec, and maintained his position, 
giving constant alarm to its garrison. For his gallant 
services Congress promoted him to the rank of brigadier- 
general. 

19. The events of this year, and the popular rising of an 
outraged people, put an end to the authority of the royal 
governors. Lord Dunmore, of Virginia, removed the powder 
from the magazine at Williamsburg to an English vessel 
of war. The indignation of the people was aroused, and 
they demanded immediate restoration of the powder. The 
governor saw that resistance was useless, and paid over to 
Patrick Henry, who had the chief command, the full value 
of the abstracted powder. Soon after, Dunmore left the 
colony, and, with his family, went on board a British man- 
of-war. From this vessel he frequently lauded detachments 
to attack different points, and offered freedom tc all slaves 
who would join his standard. Norfolk was attacked and 
burnei, after which atrocious act he left the colony, and 
the governors of North Carolina, South Carolina, and New 
Vork soon after fled from their respective governments. 

Questions on the Revolution, Events of 1775. — 1. How had the 
colonists been treated ? What was determined by General Gage ? 

2. Who commanded the expedition? What did they find at 
Lexington? 



92 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

8. What did Major Pit cairn say ? What was done by the troops 
at Lexington ? At Concord ? 

4. What occurred on their return? Who canae to their relief ? 
What losses were sustained ? 

5. What eifect was produced by the news of this battle ? What 
did Georgia now do ? 

6. Who captured Fort Ticonderoga ? 

7. What was captured by Colonel Warner? By Colonel Bene- 
dict Arnold ? 

8. When was the second meeting of Congress? What powers 
were vested in Congress by the Federal Union ? Who was ap- 
pointed commander-in-chief? 

9. Who was besieged in Boston? What British generals ar- 
rived with reinforcements ? What he-ight was fortified by the 
Americans ? 

10. What was done by the British on the following morning ? 
Who marched against the American intrenchments ? Who com- 
manded the Americans ? What was the result of the first 
attack ? 

11. What town was burned ? What was the result of the second 
attack ? The third attack ? What British officer was killed, and 
what was the total loss ? What was the American loss ? What is 
said of General Warren ? 

12. When and where did General Washington take command 
of the army ? In what was it deficient ? 

13. What is said of Arnold's expedition to Canada? 

14. By whom was the other expedition conducted? Who were 
taken prisoners, and how were they treated ? What was done 
with Colonel Allen ? 

lo. Why did the expedition devolve on Montgomery ? What 
places were captured ? 

]'3 With whom did Montgomery unite his forces ? What place 
did they besiege ? Describe the assauM. of Quebec. Describe 
Montgomery's advance, and give an account of his death. 

17. What happened to Arnold? What was done by Captain 
Morgan ? Why was he defeated ? 

18. What did Arnold do with the remaining troops? Wliat 
rank did Congress confer on him? 



THE REVOLUTION. 93 

19. vVhat, is said of Lord DuDmore ? Who demanded resfitntion 
of the powder he had taken ? What, town was burned by his 
orders ? What other governors fled from the colonies ? 



EVENTS OF 1776. 
1. Tlie sie2:e of Boston continued tlirouf;,]! tlie 

1776. ^ , '^^ 

winter, during which nothing occurred of special 
iMUrtol. On the night of March 2d, a cannonade waa 
commeL^ed, which was kept up until the 4th, when General 
Thomas, with a detachment, threw up two forts on Dor- 
chester Heights during the darkness of the night. At 
daybreak the next morning the British beheld these for- 
midable latteries looming up before their astonished gaze. 

2. The following night a body of troops embarked to 
attack the American works, but a furious storm prevented 
the landing of the transports, and the attempt was relin- 
quished. It was therefore determined to evacuate the town, 
which was done on the 17th, the troops enibarkin^g, and t.h( 
ships leaving the harbor, without being molested by the 
Americans. General Washington, with his army, marched 
into the town the same day, to the great joy of the inhabit- 
ants, and soon after, with the princi^^al part of the army, 
proceeded to New York, which he supposed would be the 
next point of attack by the enemy. 

3. General Thomas, who had been sent to the relief of 
the army in Canada, took command of the troops at Quebec 
about the last of April. But the garrison had been rein- 
forced, and the Americans enfeebled by disease and priva- 
tions. In this condition they were attacked by General 
Carleton, and obliged to retreat, with the loss of their 
artillery and baggage. The prisoners were however, treated 

9 



94 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

with great liumanity, and the sick taken to the 
hospitals, and liberated on their recovery. General 
Thomas contiuued his retreat to the mouth of the Sorel, 
where he was reinforced. But soon after his arrival he \^af 
taken ill with the small-pox, and died on the 2d of June 
General Sullivan succeeded to the command, but was unable 
to compete with the greatly strengthened force of the enemy. 
The Americans retreated from post to post, and finally 
evacuated Canada on the 18th of June. 

4. While these events were transpiring in Canada, Sir 
Henry Clinton, with a powerful armament, and assisted by 
a fieet under command of Sir Peter Parker, made an attack 
on Charleston, South Carolina, June 28th. General Lee 
had been sent to the defence of the city. When the fleet 
came abreast of Sullivan's Island, a fire was opened from a 
fort newly erected, which did terrible execution ; the ships 
were disabled, and withdrew from the contest. In honor 
of its gallant defender, the post was called Fort Moultrie. 

5. At this time Congress had under discussion the greatest 
question ever debated in America. The colonies had asked 
for justice, and had been treated with contempt, their rights 
disregarded, their liberties trampled on, their towns burned, 
and their people slaughtered. It was therefore resolved in 
Congress, *' that these united colonies are, and of right ought 
to be, free and independent states." The Declaration of 
Independence was announced to the people on the 4th of 
July, cauidng general joy and gratulation. 

6. General Howe, with the army that had evacuated 
Boston, took possession of Staten Island on the 2d of July, 
find on the 12th was joined by his brother, Admiral Lord 
Howe, with an army of British and Hessians. He was 
Boon after reinforced by the arrival of Sir Henry Clinton, 
accompanied by Lord Cornwallis and three thousand troops. 



THE REVOLUTION. 95 

General Greene was stutioued at Biooklya wicb a 
considerable force, as it was supposed the enemy 

fntended to march across Long Island for the attack on 

New York, 

7. Some distance east of Brooklyn is a range of hills, 
then thickly covered with woods. Through these, three 
piLSSQS extended, which General Greene had intended to 
have guarded and occupied, but in the midst of 1 is arduous 
duties, he was taken ill with a raging fever, and the tempo- 
rary command devolved on General Sullivan. The enemy 
landed on the 22d, and advanced on the American lines. 
Washington crossed over to Brooklyn, and finding a want 
of order in the camp, and the absence of proper discipline, 
he gave the command of Long Island to General Putnam. 
He himself retained the command at New York, not know- 
ing v,dien it might be attacked by the enemy's ships of war. 

8. About nine o'clock in the evening of the 2Gth, Sir 
Henry Clinton, with a large force, marched through by- 
roads, and silently and early next morning moved through 
the Bedford pass, which had been left unguarded. On the 
right a large force gained possession of the heights, and 
thus the Americans were almost surrounded, and placed 
between two fires. Some broke through the enemy's lines, 
but many were killed or takdn prisoners. Am aig the latter 
were Generals Sullivan and Stirling. Washington was 
unable tc prevent this catastrophe. He now expected that 
the enemy, flushed with victory, would storm the works, and 
prepared for a desperate defence. But the British general 
was unwilling to risk the loss of life which would ensue in 
such an attack. lie therefore withdrew his men out of the 
reach of musketry, and encamped for the night. 

9. The next day the British troops encamped in front 
of the American lines, but nothing was attempted. On 



96 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the 29t}i, it appeared evident that the fleet would 

5778. ) rr 

co-operate with the army in surrounding the Ame- 
ricans. Washington therefore procured boats, and in the 
night silently crossed the East lliver with all his troops, 
artillery, and stores, landing them safely in New York. To 
the astonishment of the British, on the morning of the 30th 
nut an American soldier remained in Brooklyn. 

lU. In a council of oliicers it was thought advisable to 
abandon the city, and accordingly the main army withdrew 
to the rocky heights in the northern part of New York, or 
Manhattan Island. Here a fortification was thrown up on 
jlurleni Pleights. On the 15th of September a strong 
detachment of the British crossed the East River without 
much opposition. A skirmish took place on Harlem Plains, 
in which the Americans were victorious. But the British 
r^'eve arriving in great numbers, and the Americans aban- 
doned their works on New York Island, with the exception 
of Fort Washington, and proceeded to White Plains. Here 
a battle ensued on the 28th of October, when the Ameri- 
cans, being outnumbered, were obliged to retreat to their 
intrcnchments. 

11. During the night the fortifications were strengthened, 
in expectation of an attack the following day. But "^'General 
Howe, when he perceived the strengthened works of the 
Americans, postponed his meditated assault, and threw up 
lines and redoubts in front of the American camp, as if 
preparing to cannonade it. On the night of the 81st, 
Wiishington retired with his main army to the rocky hills 
of Northcastle, and soon after the whole British army left 
\\ hite Plains. 

J 2. On the 12th of November Washington crossed the 

* Irving's Life of Washington, Vol. II., p. 395. 



THE REVOLUTION. 97 

Hudson, leavini? General Lee in command of tlia 

177G. , 

troops at Northcastle. Soon after, Fort Washing, 
ton was assaulted, and, after a brave resistance, the garrison 
compelled to surrender. Fort Lee was abandoned, and 
Washington, with his dispirited and diminished army, 
successively retreated through Newark, New Brunswick, 
Princeton, Trenton, and finally to Pennsylvania, closely 
pursued by the British to the banks of tlie Delaware. 

13. General Lee had been directed by the commander- 
in-chief to leave his post, and march to his assistance. But 
it was not until the 4th of December that he crossed the 
Hudson, and then marched in the slowest manner, though 
apprised of the peril of Washington and his army. Finally 
he was surprised and made prisoner by a body of British 
cavalry, and his command devolved on General Sullivan, 
who immediately marched to the relief of General Wash- 
ington. 

14. Congress had adjourned to Baltimore, in consequence 
of the approach of the enemy. The British troops were 
scattered through the different towns in New Jersey, and their 
commander supposed that the campaign was ended. But 
on the night of the 25th of December, Washington crossed 
the Delaware, eight miles above Trenton, and early the next 
morning attacked the Hessians, who were totally unprepared 
for the assault. Colonel Rahl was mortally wounded, and 
nearly a thousand were made prisoners. 

15. The prisoners were now transported across the Dela- 
ware, and moved on from town to town, until they reached 
Winchester, in Virginia. With great exertion, Washington 
induced the troops whose term of enlistment had expirea 
to continue in the army. Hard money wcts needed, and 
Kobert Morris, of Philadelphia, obtained the re^^uirccI loan, 
and sent it to camp. Congress invested Washington with 

9* 



08 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

unlimited military power, and having rested and 

recruited his army, he again crossed the Delaware 

on the 30th of December, and posted his troops in Trenton, 

while tlie British and Hessians were stationed at Princeton, 

fen miles distant. 

Questions on the Evejits of 1776. — 1. What is said of the siege 
of Boston? What took place on the night of March 2d? What 
was done by General Thomas ? 

2. What was done by the British on the following night ? Wliai 
prevented the attack ? When was the town evacuated ? What did 
General Washington do ? 

3. When did General Thomas take command of the army in 
Canada? By whom were they attacked? To what place did 
General Thomas retreat, and when did he die ? Who succeeded 
him ? When did the Americans evacuate Canada ? 

4. By whom was an attack made on Charleston ? Who had 
been sent to defend the city ? What took place at Sullivans 
Island ? What was the fort named, and why ? 

5. What was resolved in Congress ? When was the Declaration 
of Independence announced to the people ? 

6. What did General Howe do on the 2d of July? By whom 
was he joined? By whom reinforced? Where was General 
Greene ? 

7. When did the enemy land? On whom did Washington con- 
fer the command of Long Island ? What command did he retain ? 

8. Describe Sir Henry Clinton's advance. The British forces 
on the right. Between what were the Americans ? What generals 
were taken prisoners ? 

9. What was done by the British the following day? What 
was done by Washington on the 29th ? 

10. Did the American army remain in New York? Whore did 
they throw up a fortification? What took place here? Where 
did the army now go ? When and where did a battle take place ? 

11. What did General Howe do on perceiving the strong fortifi- 
cations at White Plains? What did Washington do on the Slst? 

12. Describe Washinsiton's movements of the 12th of November. 



THE BEVOLUTION. 99 

Wliaf fort was captured? What abandoned? Where did Wash- 
ington successively retreat? 

13. What orders were given to General Lee? What misfortune 
happened? On whom did his command devolve ? 

14. To what place did Congress adjourn ? Wliat did Washington 
do on the night of December 25th ? What battle took place on 
the 26th ? Give the result of the battle. 

15 What was done with the prisoners? What power was con- 
ferred on Washington ? What did he do on the oOth of December ? 
Where were the British and Hessians ? 



EVENTS OF 1777. 
• 1. The commencement of the new year foiled 

1777. "^ 

Washington at Trenton, where he was joined bj 
the troops under Generals Mifflin and Cadwaladcr. Towards 
evening of the 2d, Cornwailis, with a strong force from 
Princeton, attacked him. The two armies were on opposite 
sides of a stream which flows through Trenton, and which 
the enemy made repeated attempts to cross. Cornwallis 
felt sure of capturing the American army the next day, 
and desisted for the night. But at midnight Washington 
marched with his army by a circuitous route, unperceived 
and unsuspected by the enemy. Next morning he was at 
Princeton, where an engagement took place between some 
British regiments on the way to Trenton, and the advancing 
Americans. The battle was sharp, but soon decided in 
favor of the latter. The British lost one hundred in killtd. 
and three hundred prisoners. The American loss was about 
thirty men and several officers, among the latter of wliom 
was the brave General Mercer. 

2. Cornwallis, who had heard the American cannon, 
supposed at first that it was thunder; but being soon 



100 BISTOJIY C¥ TUE UXlTEl*- STATES 




FALL OF GENERAL KERCEB. 



1777. 



undeceiyed, marched at once on PriDceton. Bnt 
he arriyed too hite. The battle was over, aud 
Washing-ton, with his army, was on his way to New Bruns- 
wick, to capture the miHtary stores of the British. But 
the enemy was fast approaching in strong force, and the 
Americans were so exhausted, that it was deemed expedient 
to abandon the design, and retreat to the hills of East 
Jersey. x\ccordingly, Washington established his winte* 
quarters at Morristown, whence he sent out detachmenta 
to harass the enemy and keep them in a state of siege in 
their quarters at New Brunswick. 

3. The two armies occupied these respective positions 
until the latter end of May. In the mean time small 
detachments were sent out from several points. The prin- 
cipal enterprise was directed against Danbury, Connecticut, 
led by Governor Tryon, at the head of two thousand troops 
(^ April 26th). The town was burned, a great quantity of 
stores belonging to the Americans destroyed, and the iuhab- 



THE REVOLUTION. 101 

itants cruelly treated. Perceiving; the militia as- 

17'S7. "■ 

sembling, they retreated, but were attacked, and 
a severe skirmish ensued. The militia were under the 
command of Generals Silliman, Wooster, and Arnold. 
Wooster was mortally wounded in the action, and Arnold 
narrowly escaped, but General Silliman harassed the enemy 
all the way to the coast. 

4. This destructive expedition was Foon after retaliated 
for by Colonel 3ieigs, who, accompanied by one hundred and 
seventy men, crossed Long Island Sound, and attacked the 
enemy at Sag Harbor, near the eastern end of Long Island. 
Tiiey burned the British vessels, destroyed the storehouses 
and their contents, took ninety prisoners, and returned to 
Guilford, without the loss of a man of their party. 

5. Towards the end of May, Washington broke up his 
cantonments at Morristown, and encamped at Middlebrook. 
His army numbered a little over seven thousand men, w^ho 
were now posted in a strong position. On the 12th of June, 
Sir William Howe left New York, and set up his head- 
quarters at New Brunswick. Here he endeavored to bring 
on a general engagement by a number of feigned movements. 
But the American general wisely remained at Middlebrook, 
and General Howe, unable to provoke him to a general 
action, suddenly withdrew his troops to Staten Island, and 
left New Jersey in pOvSsession of the Americans. 

6. General Burgoyne, with a large army, now left St. 
John's, in Canada (June 16th), for the purpose of effecting 
a junction with General Howe at New York. He sent out 
a detachment under Colonel St Leger, who was to land at 
Oswego, ravage the valley of the Mohawk, and join the 
main army at Albany. On the 1st of July he arrived at 
Ticonderoga, which was garrisoned by three thousand men 
under General St. Clair, who, finding his position untenable, 



102 HISTORY Ci!' TEIE UNITED STATES. 

abandoned the fort, and, with the army, set forward 
on the Vermont side of the lake towards Ilubbardton. 
His stores, and a portion of his troops, with the wounded, 
were sent in boats to Skenesborough (now Whitehall). 

7. The flight of the Americans was unfortunately re- 
vealed to the British by the light of a burning house, and 
a pursuit was immodiately corximericed. The ilotilla was 
overtaken and destroyed, ar.d the main army routed, with a 
loss of more than three hacdred^men. *'' On the 12th, 
St. Clair reached Fort lildward, with his troops haggard and 
exhausted by their long retreat." While these affairs were 
transpiring ir. the north. General Prescott, who commanded 
the British forces in Rhode Island, was surprised and cap- 
tured by Colonel Barton, at the head of forty men. He 
was retained for some time a prisoner, and afterwards 
exchanged for General Lee. 

8. The progress of Burgt>yne with his army was very 
plow, in consequence of the obstructions placed in his way 
by Genend Schuyler, and he did not reach Fort Edward 
until the 30th of July. At his approach General Schuyler 
retired, and took post at Fort Miller, lower down the Hud- 
son, then at Stillwater, and finally at the mouth of the 
Mohawk. In the mean time Colonel St. Leger was besieg- 
ing Fort Schuyler, at the head of the navigable waters of 
the Mohawk. General Herkimer, with a force of militia, 
marched to the relief of the garrison, but was met at 
Oriskany by a detachment of tories and Indians. A fierce 
battle ensued, and General Herkimer, with four hundied 
men, was killed. 

9. Arnold soon after advanced to the relief of the be- 
si(>'ged, and, by sending out exaggerated reports of his 



* Irviag's Life of Washington, Vol. Ill , p. 117. 



THE REVOLUTION. 103 

forces, he so terrified the Indians, that they fled, 
and St- Leger was obliged to raise the siege. 
eneral Burgoyne now sent out an expedition under Colo- 
nel Baum against Bennington, for the purpose of seizing 
on the stores which the Americans had collected. This 
detachment was met near Bennington by a large body of 
New Hampshire militia, under General Stark. Colonel 
Baum was killed and his party routed. A reinforcement 
of the enemy, under Colonel Breyman, arrived at Benning- 
ton after the battle, who were attacked by Colonel V/arner, 
and defeated. The British loss was seven hundred, gene- 
rally prisoners (x\ugust 16th). 

10. General Washington was so well convinced that it 
was the intention of (xeneral Howe to form a junction with 
Burgoyne, that he advanced with the main army towards 
the Hudson. On the 23d of July the British fleet put out 
to sea, and a number of circumstances led Washington to 
the belief that its destination was Philadelphia, and he set 
out with his army to the Delaware. On his way he was 
informed that the fleet had appeared ofi" the capes, and he 
immediately marched to Philadelphia. Soon after, the 
British fleet sailed up the Chesapeake, and the army landed 
near Elkton, and marched towards Philadelphia. Wash- 
ington took a stand at Chad's rord_, on Bxandywine 
Creek, where he was attacked by ths British (Septem- 
ber 11th). The battle lasted through the day, and to- 
wards night the Americans were obliged to retreat to 
Chester, where they rested, and the next day retreated 
to Philadelphia. Congress adjourned to Lancaster, and 
afterwards to York. 

11. In this battle a number of distinguished foreigners 
were engaged. The Marqui.s La Fayette served as a volun- 



104 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

j^y^ teer, and was severely wounded. Count Pulaski, 

a Polish nobleman, and General Conway, acquitted 

i^heniselves with great credit. Tlie American loss in this 

disastrous battle was, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, 

twelve hundred, and the British near eight hundred. 

12. As soon as Washington's troops were rested, he 
crossed the Schuylkill to oppose General Howe. The two 
armies met and skirmishing ensued, but a heavy rain pre- 
vented a general battle, and the American troops withdrew. 
General Wayne, who had been sent to watch the movements 
of the enemy, was attacked in the night at Paoli, and three 
hundred of his men were killed. General Howe, by a 
sudden movement, crossed the Schuylkill, and encamped 
his army at Germantov/n, from which place he sent Lord 
Cornwallis, with a large detachment, to take possession of 
Philadelphia. That general marched into the city on the 
2Gth of September, with a brilliant statF and escort, and 
followed by some of the finest troops in the British army ; 
strongly contrasting with the poor and ill-clothed, but 
determined patriots. 

33. General Schujder continued his active career as 
chief of the northern army until the arrival of General 
Gates, who had been appointed the commander. Burgoyne 
was in a distressed condition. His Indian allies had 
d{>serted him, and he found great difficulty in obtaining 
provisions. He now crossed the Hudson, and posted his 
army at Saratoga. The American general was at Stillwater, 
and had fortified Bemis' Heights, in the vicinity. On the 
I9th of September a battle commenced at three o'clock in 
the afternoon, and continued till night, when the x^mericans 
retired to their camp, and the British remained on the 
battle-field. Both armies claimed the victory. 



Tnt REVOLUTION. 105 

• 

1-1. On the Ttli of October, General Bur-'oyrie 
1777. , . 

commenced an attack on the American lines. 

Colonel Morgan, with his riflemen, was sent to gain posses- 
sion of the heights to the right of the enemy, while General 
Poor, with his brigade, attacked the left. In the midst of 
the action Arnold sallied forth, and, putting himself at ihf 
head of the troops of Learned's brigade, he attacked the Hes- 
sians in the centre, and broke their ranks with his repeated 
charges. The British then retreated to their intrenchments, 
which were desperately assailed by the Americans, with 
Arnold at their head. Arnold's horse was killed under 
him, and he was wounded in the leg and borne off the field, 
but not until the victory was complete. In thi& battle. 
General Frazer, of the British army, was mortally wounded, 
and died the following morning. 

15. Burgoyne now endeavored to return to Fort Edward, 
but found the Americans had entirely cut off his retreat. 
He therefore sent a note under sanction of a flag to General 
Gates, asking for a cessation of hostilities until terms should 
be mutually agreed upon. The articles of capitulation were 
agreed upon and signed on the 17th of October, by which 
they were allowed a free passage to England, on condition 
of their not serving in America during the war. The whole 
number of the army surrendered amounted to five thousand 
seven hundred and fiTty-two men. The Americans gained 
a fine train of artillery, seven thousand stand of arms, tents, 
j»,Qd military stores. 

16. Sir Henry Clinton had sent a detachment along the 
Hudson River to relieve General Burgoyne, but when they 
heard of his surrender they returned to New York. They 
captured some fortresses in the Highlands, burned Esopus, 
and plundered other villages, and behaved more like 

10 



106 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

marauders, than a re^^ular army sent for the lehef 

1777. , , ' . 

of their harassed and suffering countrymen. 
17 After the British had obtained possession of Phila- 
delphia, Admiral Howe had brought round his ships from 
the Chesapeake into the Delaware Bay, and moved them up 
as far as the obstructions placed in the river would admit. 
It now became important to the welfare of the British army 
to remove these obstructions, and reduce the forts com- 
manding the river. For this purpose General Howe sent a 
detachment to New Jersey. General Washington improved 
the opportunity to make an attack on the enemy at German- 
town. Success at first waited on the Americans, but a 
party of the enemy threw themselves into a stone house, 
which they barricaded and made good against all attempts. 
Meanwhile the advantages at first gained were lost, and the 
Americans were compelled to retreat (October 4th). 

18. Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, was assaulted on the 22d 
of October, by a body of Hessians under Count Donop. 
The fort was defended by Colonel Christopher Green. 
After a valiant defence the enemy were repulsed with great 
slaughter, and the Hessian commander mortally wounded. 
An attack made on Fort Mifflin, immediately opposite, by 
the enemy's shipping, was also unsuccessful. Finally, 
however, a large force sent out by Sir William Howe cap- 
tured the two forts, and removed the obstructions in the 
Delaware (November 18th). 

19. An attack was made (December 4th) on the camp at 
White Marsh, by General Howe, without success, and soon 
after, tlie American army, who were in a destitute condition, 
went into winter quarters at Valley Forge, on the Schuylkill. 



Questions on the Events of 1777.— 1. Who joined "Washington at 
Trenton ? By whom wat he atta<;ked ? How were the two armies 



THE REVOLUTION. 107 

po8(ed? What did Washington do at midnight? What battle 
took place on the following morning ? Who gained the battle ? 
What general was killed ? 

2. What did Cornwallis now do ? Where did Washington rd 
tire to winter quarters ? The British ? 

3 Describe the expedition against Danbury. By whom were 
the British assailed in their retreat? What general was slain? 

4. Describe Colonel Meigs's expedition. 

5. Where did Washington encamp in May ? Where did Sir 
William Howe establish his head-quarters ? What did he do sooa 
afterwards ? 

6. For what purpose did General Burgoyne leave Canada ? 
What took place on his arrival at Ticonderoga ? To what place 
did General St. Clair send his stores? 

7. How was the flight revealed to the British? What was the 
result ? When did the remaining troops reach Fort Edward ? 
By whom was General Prescott captured ? For vv'hom exchanged ? 

8. When did Burgoyne reach Fort Edward ? Where did General 
Schuyler take post? Who was besieging Fort Schuyler, and who 
was sent to its relief? Where did a battle take place, and with 
what result? 

9. Who now went to the relief of the garrison ? What was St. 
Leger obliged to do ? What expedition was sent out by Burgoyne ? 
What battle ensusd ? Who was killed in this battle ? What battle 
took place subsequently ? 

10. Why did General Washington advance towards the Hudson ? 
What did the British fleet do on the 23d of July ? To what place 
did he now march ? Where did the British fleet sail, and where 
did the army laud? Where and when was a battle fought, and 
with what result? Where did the Americans retreat the next 
day ? To what places did Congress retire ? 

11. What distinguished foreigners assisted the Americans at 
the battle of Brandy wine ? 

12. When Washington's troops had rested, what did he do? 
What disaster happened to the troops under General Wayne? 
What did General Howe do ? What general occupied Philadelphia 
with his troops? 

13. Who succeeded General Schuyler? Wliere was Burgoyne* 



108 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Where the American general ? What battle took place on the 1 5th 
of September ? What is said of it ? 

14. Describe the battle of Saratoga. What general was mortallj 
wounded ? 

15. What was Burgoyne now compelled to do? What were ilie 
terLis of the capitulation? What number surrendered? Whai 
stores came into the possession of the Americans? 

16, What was effected by the expedition sent to relieve Bui- 
goyne ? 

17. To what river did Admiral Howe remove his ships? De- 
scribe the battle of Germantown. 

18, By whom and when was Fort Mercer assaulted? By whom 
was it defended ? What was the result ? Who was mortally 
wounded ? What other fort was attacked ? V/ere the forts after- 
wards captured ? Give the date. 

19, Where were the Americans attacked by General Howe, 
December 4th? Where did the army retire to winter quarters? 



EVENTS OF 1778. 

1. Never was a greater contrast presented in tlie annals 
of war, than between the two contending armies. The 
British in elegant quarters in the city of Philadelphia, 
living in luxury, in ease, and the indulgence of licentious 
revelry ; the Americans in log huts at Valley Forge, ill- 
clothed, worse fed, and suffering every privation. It re- 
quired all Washington's influence to retain his army in 
carap, and to provide them with food. 

2. Towards the latter end of February, Baron 
Steuben arrived in camp, and commenced training 
the army in the discipline and manoeuvres of the battle- 
field He was successful in his course of instruction, and 
from a mass of untrained militia, he raised up a disciplined 



THE REVOLUTrO!<r. 109 

army, fit to compete with tlie trained veterans of 
1778. "^ . . 

Europe. Provisions now arrived in plenty, clothing 

was furnished, and the spring commenced under favorable 
a ispices for the camp at Valley Forge. Early in 3Iay, 
IT telligence arrived that a treaty had been signed at Paris. 
bj which the French government entered into an alliance 
with the United States. 

8. The British government now offered terms of concilia- 
tion to the Americans, but, as they did not agree to the 
independence of the United States, they were as promptly 
rejected. Sir William Howe resigned his command, and 
Sir Henry Clinton, his successor, took command of the 
army in Philadelphia, on the 11th of May. Philadelphia 
was an unsafe position for the British army, since the 
alliance with France, and orders were given to withdraw 
the troops to New Yci;k, On the 18th of June, the whole 
British army evacuated the city, crossing the river Delaware 
in boats, and marching along its eastern bank. 

4. Washington immediately broke up his camp at Valley 
Forge, and, making a considerable circuit, crossed the Dela- 
ware at Coryell's Ferry, the same place from which he had 
marched eighteen months before to attack the enemy at 
Trenton. On the morning of the 28th of June, an attack 
was made ou the enemy at Monmouth Court House, now 
Freehold. General Lee led the van, and Washington came 
up to sustain him with the main army. 

5. A-s Washington drew near the scene of action, he mei 
Lee and the whole detachment in full retreat. He checked 
furth 3r retreat, reproved Lee for his conduct, and ordered 
him lo lead his troops against the enemy. The battle was 
now lesumed, and continued through the day. Washington 
intended to attack the enemy on the following morning, but 
at daybreak, when the army were roused for action, the 

10* 



lie niSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

enemy had disappeared, having withdrawn to Sandj 
Hook, whence they embarked for New York. The 

enemy lost three hundred killed and one hundred prisoners. 

The Americans seventy killed and one hundred and sixty 

wounded. Many died from the extreme heat of the weather; 

and the fatigue endured on the battle-field. 

6. After Washington had rested his troops, he led them 
to White Plains. General Lee was charged before a court- 
martial with " disobedience of orders, misbehavior in making 
a disorderly retreat, and disrespect to the commander-in- 
chief He was found guillty of the charges against him, 
and suspended from his command for one year. He never 
again returned to the service. 

7. On the 8th of July a French fleet arrived off the coast, 
and anchored at the mouth of the Delaware. It consisted 
of twelve ships of the line and six frigates, and a land force 
of four thousand men under Count D'Estaing. A combina- 
tion was entered into by the American and French com- 
manders to recapture Rhode Island (that is, the island 
which gives name to the state), which the enemy had 
fortified, and made one of their strongholds. General 
.Sullivan, with a detachment, landed on the island, and 
found the British works at its northern point abandoned. 
The French commander was about ordering out his boats to 
commence the attack on Newport, when a British fleet 
appeared in sight. The French immediately put out to 
f»ea to attack the enemy, but were prevented from doing so 
by a violent storm. 

8. On the return to Newport, the shattered condition of 
the French fleet prevented its commander from assisting 
General Sullivan, who raised the siege, and retired in the 
night to the north part of the island. Here a skirmish 
ensued, when the British withdrew, and kept up a cannonade 



II 



THE REVOLUTION. Ill 

on the American works until nitrht. The firin<' 

1778. 

wds renewed the following day, but at night General 
Sullivan withdrew his whole army from the island, unper- 
teived by the enemy. 

9. The war, as now carried on by the enemy, was a series 
of plunders and massacres. A detachment of cavalry was 
surprised in the night at Old Tappan, by General Grey, 
and bayonetted without mercy. A number, however, es- 
caped, through the compassion of one of the British captains. 
An expedition against Little Egg Harbor demohshed the 
public stores, and wantonly destroyed private property. An 
expedition, led by tories and Indians, attacked the settlement 
at Wyoming, Pennsylvania, massacred the inhabitants, and 
jaid waste their beautiful settlement. Another massacre 
took place at Cherry Valley, New York, by tories and 
Indians, and Captain Ferguson surprised a portion of Pu- 
laski's legion while sleeping, and wantonly butchered fifty 
on the spot. 

■'. 10. An expedition was now sent from New York to 
invade Georgia, commanded by Colonel Campbell. He 
landed his troops near Savannah, on the 29th of December, 
where he was met by a small force under General Robert 
Howe, which was totally routed. The British then took 
possession of Savannah, with a quantity of cannon, military 
stores, and provisions. The array under General Washington 
now went into cantonments for the winter, the head-quarters 
being established njar Middlebrook, New Jersey. 

Questions on the Events of 1778. — 2. Who arrived in camp, and 
what did he commence ? What was the result ? What treaty was 
signed at Paris? 

3. What terms did the British government offer? Why were 
they rejected? When did the Britisli evacuate Philadelphia? 



112 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

4. What did Washington now do ? What battle took place, and 
when ? 

5. Why did Washington reprove Lee, and what did he order ? 
How long did the battle continue ? To what place did the /British 
withdraw ? 

6. After Washington had rested his troops, to what place did 
he withdraw ? What charges were made against General Lee, 
and what was the sentence of the court ? 

7. When and where did a French fleet arrive ? What town was 
besieged by General Sullivan ? What prevented the French fleet 
from assisting him ? 

8. To what place did Sullivan withdraw his troops ? What took 
place here ? 

9. What was the character of the war now carried on by the 
enemy ? 

10. Who commanded the expedition sent from New York to 
invade Georgia? When did he land? Who commanded the 
Americans ? Of what did the British take possession ? Where 
were the head-quarters of Washington's army during the winier ? 



EVENTS OF 1779. 
1. After the battle which ended in the capture 

1779. . ^ 

of Savannah, the American army retreated to South 
Carolina. General Prevost, with an army from Florida, 
took Sunbury, and marched to Savannah, where he assumed 
the command. Augusta was captured by Colonel Campbell, 
and by the middle of January the whole of Georgia was 
reduced to .submission 

2. General Jiincoln, an experienced officer, who had been 
appointed to the command of the army in the south, took 
command of his forces on the Savannah Iliver, soon after 
the capture of Savannah, and waited for a favorable oppor- 



THE REVOLUTION. 113 

tunity to strike a blow in favor of the sinking cause. 

1779. 

In the mean time a company of tories, which was 
marching to the British camp, was met at Kettle Creek, 
and, after a desperate engagement, was totally routed by a 
body of militia under Colonel Pickens. Colonel Boyd and 
about seventy of the tories were killed, and seventy-five 
taken prisoners, of whom five were hanged as traitors. 

3. Early in March, General Lincoln sent General Ash, 
with two thousand men, against the British in Georgia. 
General Ash took post at Brier Creek, where he was sur- 
prised by General Prevost and put to flight, with a loss of 
nearly five hundred men. About the same time, Prevost 
sent a detachment against Port Royal, which was defeated 
by General Moultrie, with severe loss. General Lincoln 
now crossed with his army into Georgia, with the intention 
of attacking the British at Savannah, but learning that 
General Prevost was laying siege to Charleston, he hastened 
to the relief of that city. On the approach of Lincoln, the 
British general withdrew his troops to the island of St. 
John's, separated from the main land by Stono Kiver. 
Lincoln attacked a division posted at Stono Ferry, but was 
repulsed. The British soon after established a post at 
Beaufort, on the island of Port Royal, and the main body 
retired to Savannah. 

4. In May, Virginia became the scene of predatory war- 
fare. Portsmouth and Norfolk were plundered, and a vast 
amount of public and private property wantonly destroyed. 
The infamous Tryon soon afterwards, with a band of merce- 
naries, laid waste the country in Connecticut adjoining the 
coast, robbing and ill-treating the defenceless inhabitante, 
and wantonly burning the towns of Fairfield and Norwalk. 

5. The capture of Stony Point, on the Hudson, by General 
Waj'^ne, was one of the most successful achievements of the 



114 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

war. It was a strons: fortress, aud <rarrisoiieJ by 
six hundred troops. On the 15th of Jul}, Wayne 
arrived near the fort without being discovered. The assault 
was made at midnight by the troops, in two columns, wlio 
advanced with charged bayonets, overcame every obstacle, 
and captured the fort without firing a single gun. The 
garrison surrendered at discretion, after a brave but un 
availing resistance. The fort was then dismantled and 
abandoned, the Americans securing the cannon and military 
stores. 

6. Another daring exploit was achieved by Colonel Lee, 
in the surprise of the fort at Paulus Hook, on the Hudson, 
immediately opposite New York. Favored by the negli- 
gence of the garrison, they entered the fort in the silence 
of the night, and made themselves masters of the post before 
the garrison awakened from their slumbers. Lee immedi- 
ately withdrew, with one hundred and fifty-nine prisoners. 
But few were killed, as there was little fighting, and no 
massacre. 

7. Several expeditions were sent against the Indians, the 
most signal of which was that conducted by General Sulli- 
van. He left the desolated region of Wyoming with his 
troops, and marched into the country of the Seuecas. A 
battle took place at Newton (now Elmira) on the 29th of 
August, when the Indians and tories were defeated, and the 
country laid waste to the Genesee River. General Sullivan 
having accomplished his object, returned with his troops to 
Easton. The thanks of Congress were voted to him and 
his gallant army. 

8. During the summer the x\merican commissioners at 
Paris fitted out a squadron, the command of which was 
given to Paul Jones, who captured a number of vessels in 
th.3 North Sea. On the 2od of September, near Flam- 



THE REVOLUTION. 115 

boroi/oh Head, en the Ensrlish coast, lie encountered 
the British ships Serapis, of forty-four, and the 
Countess of Scarborough, of twenty guns. A severe and 
bloody battle ensued, which continued for three hours^ when 
the Serapis struck her colors. The Countess of Scarborough 
was captured by the Pallas, and the prizes carried into 
Holland. 

9. A formidable fleet under the command of Count 
D'Estaing now appeared on the coast of Georgia, and joined 
with G-eneral Lincoln in besieging the British at Savannah. 
On the 9th of October, Lincoln and D'Estain^ advanced to 
storm the works. The assault was gallant, but unsuccessful ; 
the assailants were repulsed, with a loss to the French of six 
hundred men, and the Americans four hundred. D'Estaing 
was wounded -, Count Pulaski and the brave Sergeant Jasper 
were slain. The Americans now recrossed the river into 
South Carolina, and the French re-embarked. 

10. In November, Washington's army went into winter 
quarters, one division under General Heath in the High- 
lands of the Hudson, for the protection of West Point and 
other posts. The head-quarters were established near 
Morristown, New Jersey. 

Questions on the Eoents o/1779. — 1. To what state did the army 
retire? What -was captured by General Prevost? By Colonel 
Cairr>bell ? 

2. Who took command of the army in the south? What battle 
*oo> place? Who commanded the Americans in the battle ol 
K.c'.ae Creek? 

S. What did Lincoln and Ash do in March ? What took place 
.•\t T5rier Creek? At Port Royal? At Stono Ferry ? 

4. What towns in Virginia were plundered ? Who laid waste 
the sea coast of Connecticut ? What towns were burned ? 

5. Who captured Stony Point? Describe the assault and cap- 
ture. What is said of the achievement ? 



no HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

6. What fort was taken by Colonel Lee ? Describe the capture. 

7. Who marched against the Indians ? When and where did a 
battle take place ? How far was the country laid waste ? 

8. When and where did a naval engagement take place? Who 
commanded the American squadron, and what British vessels 
were captured ? 

9. Who commanded a French fleet on the coast of Georgia ? 
With whom did he unite ? When was Savannah assaulted? What 
was the result ? Who are mentioned as among the wounded and 
slain ? 

10. When and where did Washington's army go into winter 
quarters ? 



EVENTS OF 1780. 
1. This year opened on distressed aad almost 

1.T80. 

famishing soldiers. The winter was one of unusual 
severity, and" the army in the huts near Morristown suffered 
from want of blankets and clothing. They were also fre- 
quently without meat, often without bread, and sometimea 
without both. If it had not been for the kindness of the 
neighboring farmers, who furnished supplies, the army 
oould not have subsisted. 

2. Sir Henry Clinton now left New York with a largo 
body of troops, in a fleet commanded by Admiral Arbuthuot, 
for the invasion of South Carolina. Early in April he 
commenced the siege of Charleston, which was defended by 
(Jeneral Lincoln. He now sent out Colonel Webster to 
break up some posts occupied by the Americans. One of 
these posts, at Monk's Corner, was surprised and taken by 
Colonel Tarleton, who commanded Webster's advanced 
guard. This achievement shut off Charleston from all 
supplies (April 14th). 

3. The siege of Charleston was continued with great 



THE REVOLCTIOX. 117 

vigor. Fort Moultrie surrendered, and General 
Lincoln, finding no relief, capitulated, and the city 
fell into the hands of the enemy (May 12th). A body of 
Americans, under command of Colonel Buford, was over- 
taken on the banks of the Waxhaw, by Colonel Tarleton, 
and, after being defeated, were butchered, after they had 
laid down their arms. Colonel Buford and some of his 
cavalry escaped. Having struck a blow which he supposed 
reduced the south to absolute submission^ Sir Henry Clinton 
embarked with part of his forces for New York, leaving 
Cornwallis to carry the war into North Carolina, and then 
into Virginia (June 5th). 

4. New Jersey was now invaded by a large body of troops 
under command of General Knyphausen, who landed at 
Klizabethtown Point. The American troops sent to oppose 
him made a stand at Springfield, where a severe engage- 
ment took place. The British outnumbered the Americans, 
but the latter being strongly posted, and reinforcements 
advancing, the British general retreated, and during the 
night passed over to Staten Island (June 23d). 

5. Washington now moved with his army to the High- 
lands, and resumed his measures for the security of West 
Point. On the 10th of July, a large French fleet, with 
five thousand troops^ arrived at Newport, in Rhode Island. 
It was intended to attack New York with the combined 
forces, but a fleet arrived from England which gave the 
superiority to the British arms, and the proposed attack was 
for the present abandoned. 

6. In the south, though for a time no opposition was 
made to British rule, symptoms of revolt at length were 
manifested. Bold and determined leaders only were needed, 
and one was soon found in Colonel Sumter, who made several 
attacks on the enemy. The post at Hanging Rock was 

11 



118 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

captured, and a body of British and torics defeated 
(August 6th). The Baron de Kalb, at the head 
of tlie Maryland division, who had been detached to Caro- 
lina, made but slow progress, for want of supplies. On the 
25th of July, General Grates, who had been appointed lo 
command the southern army, arrived, and immediately 
marched towards Camden, South Carolina, and on the 13th 
of August encamped at Clermont, twelve miles distant. 

7. On the approach of Gates, Lord Bawdon concentrated 
his forces at Camden, where he was joined by Cornwallis. 
On the evening of the 15th, General Gates moved with his 
main force to Sanders' Creek, seven miles from Camden. 
Here they encountered the British army, which had sallied 
out in the night to attack them at Clermont. A skirmish 
ensued, which lasted but a short time, when both armies 
halted, and waited for daylight, to renew hostilities. At 
daybreak (August 16th), the enemy advanced, and put the 
militia to flight. The regular troops stood their ground, 
and fought with great bravery, but were at length compelled 
to give way. Baron de Kalb, while exerting himself to 
the utmost to prevent the loss of this battle, fell, aftei 
receiving eleven wounds. 

8. On the evening before the battle of Sanders' Creek, 
Colonel Sumter had made a successful attack on a post of 
the enemy on the Wateree, and captured one hundred 
prisoners and forty loaded wagons. Tarleton was sent 
against him, and coming to his camp at a time when his 
troops were resting from their fatigues, the Americans 
were surprised, and able to make but a feeble resistance. 
Between three and four hundred were killed and wounded 
and all their arms and baggage fell into the hands of the 
enemy (August 18th). 

9. We have now to narrate the most sorrowful event in 



THE REVOLUTION. 119 

the history of the Eevolution — an event which 
brings up sad recollections both to British and Ame- 
ricans. It is the treason of Arnold, and the fate of Andre. 
We have recited the bravery, the enterprise, the military 
skill of the hero of Quebec, of Saratoga, and the brave 
warrior of many a battle-field. We must reverse the pic- 
ture, and, instead of a patriot, behold a traitor. 

10. After the evacuation of Philadelphia in 1778, Arnold 
was stationed in that city as military governor. Here he 
lived in an extravagant style, and, by his arrogance, raised 
up many enemies. He was charged before a court-martial 
with misconduct, fraud, and the granting certain privileges 
to disaiiccted persons. Though nothing fraudulent was 
proved against him, the transactions in which he was in- 
volved were pronounced " irregular, contrary to the articlas 
of war, imprudent, and reprehensible;" and the court sen- 
tenced him to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. 

11. The reprimand administered by Washington was one 
of delicacy and kindness, and ought to have sunk into his 
heart. But from the moment of his sentence by the court- 
martial, he seemed bent on vengeance. Dissembling his 
hatred to his country, he asked for the command at West 
Point, which was conferred upon him. Ilis head-quarters 
were at Beverly,* on the eastern side of the river, and 
opposite to West Point. Here he carried on a secret 
correspondence with Major Andre, General Clinton's aide- 
de-camp, under the assumed names of Gustavus and John 
Anderson, offering to betray West Point and the posts in 
the Highlands to Sir Henry Clinton. 

12. In order to complete this nefarious business, it noi;* 
became necessary for Arnold and Andre to hold a persona) 

* Commonly callofl the Kobinson House. 



120 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 




INTESVIEW BETWEEN ARNOLD AND ANDr£, 



interview. Andre left New York, and went on board 

1780. . ' 

the Vulture, wliicli lay at anchor in the Hudson. 
Here at midnight Arnold sent a boat to convey him to the 
west side of the river. Arnold was in waiting to receive 
him, and the conference lasted until near daybreak. As 
Arnold feared that sending the boat back to tlie ship might 
excite suspicion, he prevailed on Andre to remain on shore 
during the day. 

13. The two conspirators now repaired to the house of 
.Toshua Smith, a tory, who was aiding Arnold in his designs. 
Here the bargain for the betrayal of West Point was com- 
pleted, and Arnold returned in his barge to head-quarters. 
He suggested to Andre a return by land, and furnished 
him with the following pass : 

" Permit Mr. John Anderson tc pass the guards to the 
White Plains, or below if he chooses; he being on public 
business by my direction. 

'' B. ARx\old, Major-General.'' 



THE REVOLUTION. 121 

li. As Smith refused to put Andr6 on board 
the Vulture, he left his place of concealment about 
sunset, having exchanged his military coat for a citizen's, 
and crossed the river to King's Ferry, when he proceeded 
on horseback towards New York. He passed unmolested 
through the American lines by means of his pas.sport, until 
he came near Tarry town. Here he was stopped by three 
militia men armed with muskets. The first one who hailed 
him wore a refugee uniform, which led Andre to suppose 
he was among friends, and he declared at once that he was 
a British officer, on urgent business, and must not be 
detained a single moment. They then declared themselves 
to be Americans, and told Andre he was their prisoner. 

15. They proceeded to search him, and found concealed 
papers in his boots, which satisfied them he was a spy. He 
offered his horse, watch, and one hundred guineas, if they 
would let him go. But they were patriots, refused all his 
offers, and led him as a prisoner to Colonel Jameson, at 
Northcastle. By request of Andre, Jameson wrote to 
Arnold that Anderson was a prisoner. Arnold was at 
breakfast when the letter arrived ; the commander-in-chief 
was expected every moment, and the traitor would soon be 
exposed. Calling his wife aside, he told her that '' he was 
a ruined man, and that he must fly for his life." Thus 
saying, he left the apartment, mounted a horse ready sad- 
dled, and fled to the river. Here throwing himself into 
his barge, he directed his men to row to the Yulture, which 
he entered as a traitor and renegade. 

16. Major Andre was arraigned before a court-martial, 
tried as a spy, and being convicted, was hanged on the 2d 
of October. He was universally lamented, both by the 
British and Americans, and Sir Henry Clinton used every 
exertion to induce Washington to spare his life. But the 

11* 



123 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

stern usages of war, and the safety of the country, 
required ttie sacrifice. It was suggested to Sir 
Henry Clinton that Andre would be set at liberty if Arnold 
wercigiven up. But the proposition was rejected, as in- 
corapatible with honor and military principle. The captors 
of Andre were John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart, and David 
Williams. Congress, by a formal vote, expressed a high 
€ense of their virtuous and patriotic conduct; awarded to 
each of them a farm, a pension for life of two hundred 
dollars, and a silver medal, bearing on one side a shield, 
with the word Fidelity, and on the other the motto Vincii 
amor Patrice. These medals were presented to them by 
Genera] Washington at his head-quarters. 

17. In the south Coruwallis had established a military 
despotism, and used the most oppressive measures to coerce 
the people to submit to royal authority. But these violent 
measures failed of their object, for the people only waited 
for a favorable opportunity to assert their freedom. Colonel 
Ferguson, who had been sent with a body of troops, princi- 
pally tories, to sweep the country, was attacked by a body of 
hardy mountaineers and backwoodsmen on King's Mountain, 
where he had made a stand. The assailants ascended the 
mountain in three divisions, and were at first driven back 
by the fixed bayonets of the enemy, who in turn were 
attacked by the Americans on every side. At last Colonel 
Ferguson was killed, and the enemy surrendered, with a 
loss of three hundred killed and wounded, and eight hun- 
dred prisoners (October 7th). 

18. G-eneral Marion, a partisan leader, annoyed the 
British outposts, and manosuvred so skilfully that he avoided 
the strong parties of the enemy sent in pursuit of him. On 
the 12th of October, Major Wemyss made an attack on 
Sumter at Broad River, but the British were defeated, and 



THE REVOLUTION. 12?^ 

their commander taken prisoner. Tarleton whs 
now sent in pursuit of Sumter, and overtook him 
on the 20th of November at Blackstock, on the Tyger 
Kiver. A battle ensued, but the British sustained a severe 
loss, and retired, leaving the Americans victors on the field- 
General Sumter was severely wounded in this battle. 

19. After General Gates had been defeated, he retired 
with the remains of his army to Charlotte, North Carolina, 
where he was soon after informed by ofGc'ial despatches that 
General Greene would supersede him in command. General 
Greene arrived in camp on the 2d of December, and made 
preparations for strengthening his army, introducing disci- 
pline, and obtaining needful supplies, but no encounter took 
place with the enemy until January. In the latter part of 
this year. Great Britain declared war against Holland, for 
the encouragement that nation had given to American 
privateers. War had previously been declared against 
France and Spain. 

Questions on the Events of 1780. — 1. What is said of the winter, 
and from what causes did the soldiei'S suflfe • ? 

2. Who invaded South Carolina? Whe.i was Charleston be- 
sieged ? By whom was it defended ? What American post was 
taken, and what did its capture effect ? 

3. What fort surrendered ? What was General Lincoln com- 
pelled to do? What is said of Colonel Buford's detachment? 
Whom did Sir Henry Clinton leave in South Carolina ? 

4. By whom was New Jersey invaded ? Where did an engage- 
ment take place? Give the result. 

5. To what place did Washington remove ? What arrived ai 
Newport ? 

6. Who made attacks on the enemy in the south ? What is said 
»f the Baron de Kalb ? General Gates ? 

7. What was done by Lord RaAvdon ? To what place did 



124 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

General Gates move his army? When did the battle take place? 
Describe the battle. What is said of De Kalb ? 

8. What was done by Colonel Sumter ? W^ho was sent against 
him ? Give the result. 

9. What is the most sorrowful event in the Revolution? What 
is said of Arnold ? 

10. What office did Arnold hold in 1778? What charges were 
made against him ? What decision was given by the court- 
martial, and what sentence? 

11. What efl'ect was produced on Arnold? What command 
was conferred upon him ? With whom did he carry on a cor- 
respondence ? What assumed names were used by the parties ? 

12. What became necessary on behalf of the conspirators? 
What did Andr^ do ? Arnold ? Where was the conference held ? 

13. Relate the incidents of the following day. What was re- 
quired by the pass ? By whom was it signed ? 

14. Wliat did Andre now do? By whom was he stopped? 
Why did he suppose his captors to belong to the British ? 

15. What was found in his boots ? To whom and where did 
they take him ? What did he write to Arnold ? What did Arnold 
do on receipt of the letter ? 

16. What became of Andre ? What were the names of his 
captors ? What did Congress express by their vote ? What was 
awarded to them? 

17. What had Cornwallis established? Describe the battle 
of King's Mountain. Who was killed and how many were 
prisoners ? 

18. What is said of General Marion? Major Wemyss ? De- 
scribe the battle of Blackstock. 

19. Where did General Gates retire? By whom was he super- 
seded? Against what nation did Great Britain declare war? 
With v«^hat other nations was she at war previously ? 



THE REVOLUTION. 125 



EVENTS OF 1781, AND CLOSE t)E THE REVOLUTION. 

1. The Dcw year was ushered iu with a painful 
event. On the 1st of January, the Pennsylvania 
line stationed at Morristown turned out under arms, refused 
obedience to orders, and declared their intention to march 
to Philadelphia, and demand redress of grievances from 
Congress. When they had marched as far as Princeton, a 
committee from Congress met them, and induced them to 
agree to a compromise, by which their wants were relieved, 
and provision made for their being paid in full. 

2. A large body of troops had been sent by Sir Henry 
Clinton to invade Virginia, and Benedict Arnold, now a 
brigadier-general in the British service, was appointed to 
the command. He landed on the James River, twenty-five 
miles from Richmond, on the 4th of January, and, on the 
following day, marched into the capital, after a feeble 
opposition. Here he destroyed the public edifices, stores, 
and workshops, and private property to a large amount. 
He then went down the river, and then to Portsmouth, 
where he took post on the 20th of January. 

3. Greneral Greene, who now had command of the southern 
army, was encamped at Charlotte, North Carolina. He sent 
General Morgan, with a division one thousand strong, to 
tnke post near the Broad River, in the western part of South 
Carolina Tarleton was sent against him with a force of 
eleven hundred men. He came up with Morgan at a place 
known as the Cowpens. The attack was made by Tarleton 
(January 17th). In the commencement of the battle, some 
of Morgan's troops gave way, but they soon rallied and at- 
tacked the enemy with such fury, that they were conipletely 



J 21) HISTORY 01^ THE UNITED STATES, 

17 81 ^^^^^^^^' '^"^ ^ general flight took place. The loss 

of the British in this battle was ten officers and 

one hundred men killed, and five hundred prisoners, while 

the loss of the Americans was twelve killed and sixty 

wounded. 

4. Morgan did not remain long on the battle-field. The 
same day at noon he set out with his prisoners and spoils. 
Before night set in he crossed the Broad Kiver, and earlj 
the next morning he started for the Catawba. As soon as 
Cornwallis heard of the defeat of Tarleton, he sent out part 
of his force in pursuit, while he followed with the main 
army and baggage (January 19th). But finding the latter 
impeded his march, he destroyed all the baggage and stores 
that could be spared, and continued his pursuit. Morgan 
succeeded in crossing the Catawba two hours before the 
enemy arrived on its banks. A heavy rain fell through 
the night, and the river was so swollen as to be impassable 
(January 29th). 

5. Two days after, General Greene arrived, took the 
command, and continued the retreat. As soon as the 
waters subsided, Cornwallis with his army crossed the 
Catawba, though his passage was contested by the Carolina 
militia. These, however, were dispersed by the British, 
and their commander. General Davidson, was killed (Feb- 
ruary 1st). The Americans now crossed the river Yadkin, 
but lost some wagons which were taken by the van of the 
Ih'itish army. That night the rain poured down in torrents, 
and the river was unforduble. 

G. General Greene now pressed forward for the river 
Dan, and Lord Cornwallis pursued with the hope of inter- 
cepting him before he could cross that river. But General 
Greene had secured boats to ferry his troops across, which 
ae accomplished successfully, thus placing a deep river 



THE REVOLUTION. 127 

between liimself and his pursuers. The British 

1 7 8 !• 

were much vexed to find " that all their toil and 
exertions had been vain, and that all their hopes were 
frustrated/'* 

7. The pursuit of the British ended at the Dan Biver, 
and Lord Cornwallis, after a day's rest, marched ofi" with 
his army, and, on the 20th, took post at Hillsborough. 
General Grreene soon after recrossed the Dan River, and 
sfter several skirmishes with his light troops and the enemy's 
foraging parties, he reached Guilford Court House (March 
15th), and the same day was attacked by Cornwallis. The 
enemy advanced in three columns. In the early part of 
the battle the North Carolina militia took to flight, and 
although there was intrepid fighting in diiFerent parts of 
the field, it became evident to General Greene that the day 
was lost; and he therefore directed a retreat, which was 
made in good order. 

8. Soon after the battle Cornwallis retreated towards 
"Wilmington, North Carolina, closely pursued by General 
Greene, who, being unable to overtake him, changed liIs 
course, and marched into South Carolina. Cornwallis now 
marched with his army to Wilmington, and, after a short 
delay, set out to Virginia (April 25th). In the mean time 
General Greene arrived at Hobkirk's Hill, two miles from 
Lord Rawdon's post at Camden. Here a hard-fought battle 
took place on the 25th of April, but through a false move 
of a portion of the troops, Greene was obliged to retreat. 

9. In the mean time Colonel Lee and General Marion 
captured Fort Watson and Fort Motte. Colonel Lee cap- 
tured Fort Granby, and marched to the aid of Colonel 
Pickens in the siege of Augusta, while General Greene 

* Annual Register, 178L 



128 IirSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

commenced the sie":e of the strono; fortress of 

1781 ^ ° 

Ninety-Six. Hearing of tlie approach of Lord 
Kawdon, he made an assault on the fort (June 18th). 
After a severe contest the stockaded fort was taken, but 
the troops were repulsed from the main works. 

10. We left Arnold at Portsmouth with his forces, where 
he had taken post in January. In March, General Phillips 
was sent to Virginia, with an army of two thousand five 
hundred men. He joined Arnold, and took the chief com- 
mand. He then ravaged the country, took Petersburg, 
and proceeded towards Richmond, but found that General 
La Fayette was there with a strong force. After burning 
the stores, and destroying property at Manchester, they 
returned to Petersburg. Here General Phillips died, and 
the command again devolved on Arnold. Lord Oornwallis 
arrived on the 20th of May, and took command of the 
army. 

11. The first object of Lord Cornwaliis was to strike a 
blow at General La Fayette, who was then at Richmond, 
where he was waiting for the arrival of General Wayne. 
On his approach to Richmond, La Fayette left that place, 
and retreated until he was joined by General Wayne and 
nine hundred soldiers of the Pennsylvania line. Ho now 
pursued Cornwaliis, who retreated to Williamsburg, and 
soon after to Portsmouth. But not liking Portsmouth, he 
embarked with his army, and sailed for Yorktown, which 
lie fortified Gloucester Point, on the opposite side of the 
York River, had likewise been fortified (August 22d). 

12. It was now Washington's intention to attack the 
British in New York, in which enterprise he was to b<3 
assisted by the French troops. But receiving despatclies 
from Count de Grasse that he should leave St. Domjngo 
with a large fleet, and a considerable body of land forces, 



THE REVOLUTION. 129 

and feteer for the Chesapeake, he determined to 
move to Virginia, and postpone his attack on New 
York. The whole of the French army near New York, 
and about two thousand of the American, under command 
of General Washiii<^ton, assisted by Count de Rochambeau, 
now marched up the Hudson River, crossed at King's 
Ferry, and marched down through New Jersey, thence 
crossed the Delaware on their way to Virginia. 

13. Clinton was not aware of the destination of the allied 
troops till they had crossed the Delaware. As a sort of 
counterplot, therefore, he sent Arnold on an expedition to 
Connecticut. On the 6th of September the latter appeared 
off the harbor of New London, and landed his troops in two 
divisions. He met with little opposition, but a detachment 
sent against Fort Griswold, on the opposite side of the 
river, sustained a severe contest. At last the garrison was 
overpowered by the enemy, and cruelly massacred, after 
they had thrown down their arms. Arnold now entered 
New London and set fire to the stores, which communicating 
to the dwellings, the wdiole place was wrapped in flames. 
He now retreated to his boats, and was pursued by the 
exasperated countrymen, whose vengeance he escaped, 
although several of his men were wounded. This expe- 
dition ended Arnold's infamous career in his native land, 
and thenceforth he appears no more in the annals of 
history (September 6th). 

14. General Greene, who had been encamped for weeks 
during the heats of July and August, on the high nills of 
the San tee, broke up his encampment on the 22d of August 
to march against Colonel Stuart. He encountered the 
enemy on the 8th of September at Eutaw Springs. A 
desperate battle ensued, lasting near four hours, when the 
enemy w^e^ 8 completely routed, and a large number of 

12 



130 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

prisoners taken by the Americans. After the 
battle appeared, however, to be decided, a number 
of the enemy opened a destructive fire from a brick house 
forming part of their encampment. General Greene, finding 
liis ammunition nearly exhausted, gave up the attempt to 
dislodge the enemy, who retired in the night, and marched 
to Monk's Corner, twenty-five miles from Charleston. 

15. Lord Cornwallis, who had fortified Yorktown and 
Gloucester Point, deemed himself perfectly secure against 
all attacks of the Americans. He was aroused from his 
fancied security by the appearance of the fleet of Count de 
Grasse at the mouth of York River, and the landing of a 
French army. Count de Barras, with a large reinforcement, 
arrived soon after, and though Admiral Graves with a 
British fleet had attacked the French ships, he was unable 
to prevent their obtaining full command of the Chesapeake. 

16. Washington reached Williamsburg, September 14th, 
and by the 25th the American and French troops had 
arrived and encamped near that town. The allied armies 
soon after marched for Yorktown, and by the 1st of 
October completely invested the place. They then threw 
up a parallel line of fortifications, which was completed on 
the 9th, when the batteries poured in a destructive fire 
upon the town. On the night of the 11th a second parallel 
was opened within three hundred yards of the works. The 
British kept up an incessant fire, and as two redoubts of 
the enemy particularly annoyed the besiegers, it was resolved 
to capture them. This was efi"ected by a party of Americans 
storming one, and a detachment of French the other. 
Cornwallis was now reduced to great distress, and, as his 
post was no longer tenable, he attempted to escape by 
means of boats across the river. Part of his array suc- 
Gopded in crossing, but a storm scattered the boats with the 



ii 



THE REVOLUTION. 131 

second detacliraent, and oblmed him to relinquish 

1T81. ... 

his design. His hopes were now at an end, and 
on the 17th he sent a flag to General Washington, proposing 
a cessation of hostilities. This was acceded to, and com- 
missioners appointed to arrange the terms of capitulation. 
These were signed on the 19th of October, when the posts 
of Yorktown and Gloucester were surrendered to General 
Washington, and the ships of war to the Count de Grasse. 
On the very day of the surrender of Cornwallis, Sir Henry 
Clinton left New York with a large fleet and army for his 
relief, and arrived oif the capes on the 24th, when, finding 
that Yorktown had fiilleu, he returned to New York. 

17. The rejoicings in the victorious camp extended 
throughout the Union. '^" Cornwallis is taken !" was uttered 
in tones of gladness, for "it was considered a death-blow to 
the war." The power of the British was now limited to 
the cities of New York, Savannah, and Charleston ; and 
tliough peace was not concluded between the tvfo countries 
for more than a year after the suiTender of Yorktown, 
hostilities ceased between the two armies, with the exception 
of some skirmishes in South Carolina and Georgia, which 
will be adverted to in due order. The French army re 
mained during the winter in Virginia, and the Count de 
Rochambeau established his head-quarters at Williamsburg, 
while the American amiy moved to the north of New 
Jersey and the Hudson River. Washington passed the 
winter in Philadelphia. 

18. In April, General Washington rejoined the 

army encamped at Newburg. The British army 

continued to occupy New Y^ork, but no active operations 

took place between the opposing forces. Sir Guy Carleton 

* Irving's Life of Washington, Vol. IV., p. S8G 



132 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

arrived in May, and took command of the Britislj 
army, Sir Henry Clinton having been recalled at 
his own request. After the surrender of Cornwallis, the 
southern army had been reinforced by the Pennsylvanie 
line. General Greene had sent Wayne into Georgia. 
Colonel Browne from Savannah marched against him, but 
the American commander attacked him at midnight, and 
routed his whole party, Wayne was afterwards attacked 
by a large body of Creek Indians, led by their chiefs and 
British officers, but he defeated them. This was the last 
battle in Georgia. 

19. A change now took place in the British ministry, 
and soon after, overtures of peace being made, commissioners 
were appointed by both governments to settle the terms. 
John Adams, John Jay, and Benjamin Franklin, were the 
agents who represented the United States. A general 
treaty of peace was signed at Paris on the 20th of January, 

and on the 19th of April the joyful intelligence 

was proclaimed in the American army.* This was 

the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, and the end of 

the eight years of warfare, and blood, and armed hosts 

contending for the mastery. 

20. On the 3d of November the army was disbanded, 
the cities occupied by British troops evacuated : Savannah 
in July, New York in November, and Charleston in De- 
cc mber. As the service of the men engaged for the time 
of tiie war would not terminate until the ratification of the 
definitive articles of peace, it was deemed advisable to grant 
furloughs to such of the men as the commander thought 
proper. This enabled the army to be disbanded by degrees, 
and prevented the danger of letting loose in large masses a 
body of unpaid soldiers. Arrangements having been made 
with General Carleton for the evacuation of New York by 

* The definitive treaty was signed Seqteniber 3d, 178S 



THE REVOLUTION. 133 

tlie British troops on the 25thof Not ember, Gene- 
ral Washington with his troops, accompanied by 
Governor Clinton and other state officers, entered the city 
in triumphal procession, as soon as the British troi^j*:* 
embarked. 

21. On the 4th of December, Washington took a final 
leave of his companions in arms. He then repaired to 
Annapolis, where Congress was in session, and, on the 23d 
of December, resigned his commission as commander-in- 
chief of the continental armies. *" He then hastened to 
Mount Vernon to enjoy the pleasures of domestic life, with 
the pleasing reflection that his beloved country was free 
and independent, and had taken her position among th" 
nations of the earth." 

Questions on the Events of 1781, and Close of the devolution. — 
1. What painful event occurred on tlie 1st of January ? How wa? 
the difficulty settled ? 

2. By whom was Virginia invaded ? What city did he capture, 
and what did he destroy ? Wliere did he take post ? 

3. Whom did General Greene send out, and for what purpose \ 
Who was sent against him ? Describe the battle of Cowpens. 

4. What did Morgan do after the battle? Describe the pursuit. 
What rivers were forded ? 

5. What did General Greene now do ? Cornwallis ? What rivei 
did the Americans ford, and what occurred after their crossing ? 

6. What river was now crossed by the Americans, and wkat 
ended Cornwallis's pursuit ? 

7. Where did Cornwallis take post ? What did General Greene 
do ? Describe the battle of Guilford Court House 

8. What did Cornwallis do after the battle ? General Greene ? 
Describe the battle of Hobkirk's Hill. Who were the respective 
commanders ? 

9. What forts were captured ? 

* Lossing's Seventeen Hundred and Seventy-Six, p. 359. 



134 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 

10. Who took command of the British forces in Virginia? 
V/hat towns were captured ? What is said of General La Fayette ? 
What is said of Generals Phillips, Arnold, and Cornwallis * 

11. What was the first object of Lord Cornwallis? What did 
General La Fayette do ? What town did Cornwallis fortify ? 

12. Why did Washington determine to move with his army to 
Virginia, instead of attacking New York ? With what forces did 
he march, and by whom was he assisted? Describe the route 
taken. 

13. What did Clinton do as a couviterplot ? Where did Arnold 
land, and what did he do ? What is said of the capture of Fort 
Griswold? What is said of New London? What is now said of 
Arnold ? 

14. Where was General Greene during July and August? De- 
scribe the battle of Eutaw Springs. To wliat place did General 
Greene march that night? 

15. What roused Lord Cornwallis from his fancied security? 
Who arrived soon after? 

16. What was done by the 1st of October ? On the 9th ? What 
took place on the night of the 11th ? How did Cornwallis attempt 
to escape ? After his failure in this attempt, what did he propose ? 
Wlien did the surrender take place, and to whom ? 

17. To what cities was the British power limited ? Where did 
Washington spend the winter ? 

18. Where was the army encamped in April ? Who took ccm- 
mand of the British army in New York? What two battles took 
place in Georgia? 

19. Who were appointed by the American government to make 
terras of peace? When and where was a general treaty signed? 
When was peace proclaimed in the American army ? 

20. WMien was the army disbanded ? When were the cities 
occupied by the British evacuated ? When did General Washing- 
ton occupy New York? 

21. What did General Washington do on the 4th of December? 
On the 23d ? Where was Congress in session ? What did Wash- 
ington then do ? 



THE CONFEDERA'l'ION. 135 



THE CONFEDERATION. 

1. The war liaving happily terminated, a treatj? 
of peace being signed, and the independence of 
the United States acknowledged, it might be supposed that 
prosperity and happiness would wait on a people delivered 
from oppressive rulers, and the cares, anxieties, and horrors 
of war. But such was not the case. At the close of the 
war, Congress, as the representative of the nation, was bur- 
dened with an immense foreign debt. It had no means of 
discharging that or its domestic debts ; and the soldiers who 
had fought the battles and endured every hardship of war 
were unpaid. The Articles of Confederation gave Congress 
no power to create a public revenue ; and could only recom- 
mend to the states the levying of taxes to pay the debts 
which had been contracted. 

2. General bankruptcy prevailed, there was no commerce. 
and Congress had no authority to make commercial treaties. 
Insurrections broke out among the people. In 
Massachusetts a large number of discontented 
citizens, headed by Daniel Shay, who had been a captain 
in the Continental army, marched against Worcester, and 
threatened to compel the General Assembly to repeal the 
taxes. General Lincoln, with a large body of mihtia, was 
sent against them ; three were killed, and fourteen of the 
prisoners were found guilty of high treason, but afterwards 
pardoned. On the 11th of September commissioners from 
five states* met at Annapolis " to consider the best means of 



* New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia. 



136 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



remedying tlie defects of the federal government/' The 
result of their deliberations was transmitted to Congret^s, 
which body recommended to the several states the appointr- 
ment of delegates to meet in convention at Philadelphia 
" lor the sole and express purpose of revising the Articles 
of Confederation, and reporting to Congress such alterations 
and provisions as should render the federal constitution 
adequate to the wants of the nation/' 




THE TEDEBAL CONTENTION. 



1787. 



8. The delegates from the different states met 
in Philadelphia in IMay, and General Washington 
was chosen president of the convention. All the states 
were represented except Pvhode Island. On the 17th of 
kSeptember the convention having agreed upon the several 
articles of the Constitution, it was adopted, and signed by 
all the members present. The Constitution thus formed 
was sent to Congress, who forwarded it to the several state 
legislatures for their consideration and approval. 



THE CONFEDERATION. 137 

4. *TIie Constitution haviiio; been ratified by a 

1T88. 

sufficient number of states, an act was passed by 
(!!ongress, on the 13th of September, appointing the first 
Wednesday in January, 1789, for the people of the United 
States to choose electors of a President, and the first Wed- 
nesday in February for the electors to meet and make a 
choice. The first Wednesda}?- in March was named for the 
meeting of government in the city of New York, being the 
place where the present Congress was then in session. 

Questions on the Confederation. — 1. Wkat was Congress unable 
to do? 

2. What was the condition of the country? Describe Shay's 
insurrection. For what purpose did commissioners meet at An- 
napolis ? What did Congress recommend ? 

3. When and whei-e was the Convention held ? Who was chosen 
to preside? When was it adopted and signed ? 

4. When was it approved by Congress ? What Jay was named 
for the meeting of the new government ? 

* The Constitution was ratified in all the states but North Caro- 
lina and Ilho.Ie Island. It was adopted by both states subse- 
(juently. 



138 HISTORl OF THE UNITED STATES. 



i789. 



THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION 

WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Tlie members of both Houses of Congress 
assembled in New York at the appointed time, but 
in consequence of a delay in forming a quorum the votcit^ 
of the Electoral College were not counted till April^ when 
they were found to be unanimous in favor of Washiugtoii. 
On the 16th of April, having been officially notified of his 
election, he set out fmm jMount Vernon for the seat of 
government. His jouniey was a continued ovation. He 
was hailed by all classes of people as their deliverer, and 
every town and city through which he passed poured forth 
its thousands to bid him welcome. 

2. At Trenton a triumphal arch was erected on the bridge 
across that stream where, twelve years before, he had beeu 
attacked by Cornwallis whom he baffled by. his retreat 
at midnight. It bore the inscription: — "^ December 26th, 
.1776. The defender of the mothere will be the protector 
of the daughters." As he passed under the arch a number 
of young ladies, dressed in white, strewed flowers in hi^ 
path, and sang an ode descriptive of their veneration and 
gratitude. 

8. The time of the President's inauguration was named 
for the oOth of April, when the oath of office was adminis- 
tered by Mr. Living-ston, chancellor of the state of New 
York, in the presence of an immense multitude. He then 
retired to th3 Senate chamber, and addressed both houses 



Washington's administration. 139 

with an impressive speech. John Adams was 

1 T 8 9 

elected Vice-President, and the heads of depart- 
ment, and judges were appointed. Thomas Jefferson was 
appointed Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton Secretary 
of the Treasury, Plenry Knox Secretary of War, Edmund 
}\andolph Attorney-GeDeral, and John Jay Chief Justice. 
'J'he organization of the new government occupied the 
attention of Congress during its first session, which closed 
<*n the 29th of September, by adjournment to the fii.st 
Monday in January. 

4. During the recess the President set out on a journey 
through the Eastern States, accompanied by his secretaries, 
Major Jackson, and Mr. Lear. Wherever he came " the 
benedictions of the people" were poured forth, and all 
classes hailed him as the Father of his country, and testi- 
fied in every possible way their respect and affection. He 
continued his journey as far as Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
shire, returning to New York on the 13th of November. 

5. Cono-ress reassembled on the 8th of January, 

1790. ° '' 

when the session was opened by an address from 
the President, delivered to the members of both houses in 
the Senate chamber. He recommended that provision should 
be made for national defence, for intercourse with foreign 
nations, for the support of public credit, and suggested the 
adoption of many useful laws. Mr. Hamilton, Secretary of 
the Treasury, had been directed by Congress to present a 
plan for retrieving the public credit. The public debt of 
the United States was fifty-four millions of dollars, besides 
twenty-five millions which had been contracted by the 
states individually. About twelve millions were due to 
France, Spain, and Holland. Mr. Hamilton recommended 
that the entire mass of debt should be funded, the Union 
made responsible for i\ and taxes imposed for its liqui- 



110 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 

dation. The assumption of the state debts met 
with much opposition in Congress, aud led to 
warm discussions, though it was finally adopted. For the 
purpose of establishing a revenue, duties were levied on 
imported merchandise, and taxes on the tonnage of vessels. 
The establishment of a permanent scat of government, 
which had been a subject of violent contest, was now set- 
tled by compromise. It was agreed that Congress should 
continue for ten years to hold its sessions in Philadelphia, 
during which time the public buildings should be erected 
at some place on the Potomac. A territory ten miles square 
was ceded by the states of Maryland and Virginia for this 
purpose. It was called the District of Columbia. 

6. During this year frequent depredations were made by 
the Indians from the north-west side of the Ohio River on 
our frontier settlements. On the oOth of September an 
expedition under command of General Ilarmer set out from 
Fort Washington (now Cincinnati), He destroyed the 
principal villages of the Miamis, but his troops were be- 
trayed into an ambush, and routed with great slaughter. 
Another engagement took place on the 21st of October, 
when the Americans were compelled to retreat, leaving the 
dead and wounded in the hands of the eneu^y. 

7. Congress met on the first Monday of December in 
Philadelphia, which now became the seat of government. 
The Secretary of the Treasury recommended an increase 
of the impost on foreign distilled spirits, and a tax on 

spirits distilled at home, which became a law. A 

1791. . 

bill was also introduced for the establishment 
of a national bank, which met with much opposition, 
but it was finally passed by both houses and approved by 
the President. During this session of Congress Vermont 
was admitted into the Union as an independent state. Thi^ 



1 



Washington's administration. 141 

state was first settled at Fort Duramer (now Brat- 
tleborough) in 1725. The territory was claimed 
both by New York and New Hampshire, and the possession 
warmly contested. But the people of Vermont declared 
their independence, and refused to acknowledge either of 
the claimants New York relinquished all claim on the 
payment of S30,000. 

8. Another expedition had been fitted out against the 
Indians. General St. Clair, the commander, set out with 
about 1400 men from Fort Washington, and, on the 3d of 
November, encamped near the Miami villages. The next 
-•norning, half an hour before sunrise, the. Indians made a 
sudden attack on the camp. A severe contest followed, 
lasting for two hours and a half, when the general was 
compelled to order a retreat. In this disastrous battle the 
Americans lost nearly nine hundred in killed and woundecL 

9. In Auaust, 1792, Kentucky became one of 

1793. ^ . 

the states of the Union. The first settlement was 
made at Boonesborough, in 1775, by Colonel Daniel Boone 
and a small party of the hardy sons of the wilderness. Wash- 
ington wished to retire from the presidential office at the 
termination of the four years for which he was elected, bui 
the wishes of friends and the people prevailed on him to 
remain. He was elected for a second term by a unanimous 
vote, and John Adams was re-elected Vice-President. 

10. Washino^ton's second term of office com- 

1T93. 

menced at an unfavorable period. The Revolution 
in France had overthrown monarchy and beheaded the 
king, and the existing government had now declared war 
against England. Many persons wished to render assistance 
to France and enable that country to establish a republic. 
But the President, having consulted his cabinet council, 
issued his proclamation, "forbidding the citizens of the 
13 



142 TirSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

United States takino; any part in tte hostilities un 

1 T93. 

tiie seas, or supplying either party with contraband 
articles/' 

11. The French republic had appointed citizen Genet 
minister to the United States. He landed at Charleston, 
South Carolina, and was received with great rejoicing. 
Though aware of the proclamation of neutrality, he author- 
ized the fitting out of privateers to cruise against the vessels 
of a nation with which the United States were at peace. 
Though notified by the government of his violation of the 
neutrality laws, he persevered in his improper course until 
recalled by his government. On the last day of this year 
j\Ir. Jefferson resigned his oflice of Secretary of State, and 
was succeeded by Mr. Edmund Randolph. 

12. Great excitement was now produced in the 

1794r. . .... 

United States by the acts of tRe British ministry. 
One of these acts directed English cruisers to detain all 
vessels bound to France with cargoes of corn, flour, or meal, 
and take them into port. Another act authorized the seizure 
of vessels laden with the produce of any French colony, or 
carrying supplies to such colony. In consequence of these 
acts many American vessels were captured. Preparatory 
measures to an expected war were made by Congress, and 
aii, embargo was laid for thirty days on all foreign trade. 
The British ministry, however, soon after revoked these 
offensive measures, and Mr. John Jay was sent as a special 
envoy to adjust existing difficulties. 

13. General Wayne carried on a successful campaign 
against the hostile Indians west of the Ohio. After all 
overtures for peace were ineffectual, he advanced against 
the enemy, and in a battle (August 20th) on the banks of 
the Maumee lliver he gained a complete and decisive vie- 



Washington's administration. 143 

tory. Their towns were destroyed and the products 

of their fields laid waste, 
14. In the western part of Pennsylvania great opposition 
had been made to the excise law, or tax on spirituous 
liquors. Armed men combined to resist the execution of the 
law, and the officers appointed to enforce it were assailed 
and compelled to fly. The President issued his proclama- 
tion, warning the insurgents to desist, and declared his fixed 
purpose to reduce the refractory to obedience. As they 
persisted in their rebellion, fifteen thousand men, under 
command of G-eneral Lee, then governor of Virginia, were 
sent against them. To this overwhelming force the insur- 
gents made no opposition. They laid down their arms and 
gave assurance of submission to the ^-overnment. Thus 
the "Whiskey Insurrection" was suppressed without blood- 
shed. 

15. Mr. Jay's treaty with Great Britain was 

1795. , . 

now received and laid before the Senate. It pro- 
vided for the evacuation of western posts held by the British, 
made provision for compensation for vessels illegally cap- 
tured, secured to British creditors the means of collecting 
debts due before the treaty of peace, and authorized a re- 
stricted commerce between the United States and British 
West India islands. It was violently opposed by many 
persons, but approved by the President and ratified by the 
Senate. 

16. General Wayne, who had brought the war to a suc- 
cessful termination with the Indians north-west of the Ohio, 
now concluded a treaty with them, which was soon after 
ratified. A treaty was made with Spain, which secured to 
the Americans the free navigation of the Mississippi River : 
and during the year a treaty was made with the Dey aad 



J 44 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STi^TES. 

regency of Algiers, whicli liberated mauy American citizenj 
from a long and grievous captivity. 

17. On the 1st of January the French minister, 

1796. "^ 

Mr. Adet, presented the colors of France, with an 
address, which was replied to by the President. But though 
these friendly manifestations were made at the commence- 
ment of the year, bitter feelings were soon after exhibited 
by the French Kepublic, in consequence of which it was 
deemed expedient to recall Mr. Monroe, and send Charles 
C. Pinckney, with instructions to explain the policy of the 
United States to the French government, and express their 
wish to maintain amicable relations. 

18. During this year Tennessee was admitted as a stato 
into tlie Union. The first settlement was made in 1757, ai 
Fort Loudon, by emigrants from North Carolina. In 179C 
it was ceded by the latter state to the general government, 
and organized into the " Territory south-west of the Ohio." 

19. The time for the presidential election being at hand, 
great anxiety began to be felt whether Washington would 
consent to stand for a third term. This question was soon 
put at rest by the publication of his " Farewell Address,'' 
in which he announced his intention of retiring from the 
cares and responsibilities of office. This Address was pub- 
lished in September in the " Philadelphia Daily Advertiser," 
and produced a great sensation throughout the country. 
Numerous testimonials were sent in by State Legislatures 
and other public bodies, expressing the greatest respect for 
the President, and regret at his intended retirement. 

20. In February the votes at the recent election 
were opened and counted in Congress, when John 
Adams, having the greatest number, was declared President, 
and Thomas JeflPerson, havin'g the next number, Vice-Pre- 
sident for four years, their term of office to commence on 



^ASIIIXQTOx\'s ADMINISTRATION. 145 

the 4tli of Marcli next ensuing. Washington's 
term of office ended on the 3d of March, when, 
having remained until the inauguration of his successor, he 
set out for Mount Vernon, that peaceful abode to which lie 
had so often turned a wishful eye amidst the cares and 
anxieties of his public life, and where he hoped to pass the 
rest of his days in quiet and serenity. 

Questions on Washingioii's Ad?nimstraiion. — 1. What is said of 
President Washington's journey to the seat of government? 

2. Give an account of his refeeption at Trenton. 

3. When did the President take the oath of office ? Who was 
elected Vice-President ? 

4. What did the President do in the recess ? How far did he 
extend his journey ? 

5. What did the President recommend? What debts were due 
by the national government? By individual states? What mea- 
sures were adopted for payment ? What was done to establish a 
revenue? What measure was adopted respecting the seat of 
government? By what states was a territory ceded? What was 
it called ? 

6. Describe General Harmer's expedition against the Indians. 

7. When and where did Congress now meet? Wliat acts were 
passed ? When was Vermont admitted into the Union ? When 
was this state first settled ? 

8. Describe General St. Clair's expedition against the Indians. 

9. When was Kentucky admitted as a state ? When, where, and 
by whom was the first settlement made ? W^hat is said of Wash- 
ington ? Mr. Adams ? 

10. What proclamation was issued by the President? 

11. Who was sent as minister from France to the United States? 
How did he violate the neutrality laws ? 

12. What acts were passed by the British government injurious 
to American commerce? What act was passed by Congress in 
consequence ? Who was sent to adjust difficulties ? 

13. Describe General Wayne's campaign against the Indians? 

13* 



146 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

14. What law was resisted in Pennsylvania? What did the 
President do ? Who was sent against the insurgents? 

15. What were the provisions of Jay's treaty? Was it approved? 

16. What other treaties were made ? Give their stipulations ? 

17. What was done by the French minister on the 1st of Janu- 
ary ? For what purpose was Mr. Pinckney sent to France ? 

18. When was Tennessee admitted into the Union? When and 
by whom was the first settlement made? By whom was it ceded 
to the general government, and what was it called ? 

19. What did President Washington publish ? What effect was 
produced by his Farewell Address ? 

20. Who were elected President and Vice-President? What 
5ay did they enter on their duties ? Relate what is said of Wash- 
ington. 



JOHN ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 
1. Soon after Mr. Adams became President, he 

1T97. . . . . 

issued a proclamation for a special meeting of Con- 
gress, in consequence of the threatening aspect of affairs in 
France. Mr. Pinckney, who succeeded Mr. Monroe as 
minister to that country, was treated with studied neglect 
and insult, and ordered to leave the country, the French 
aovernment refusing to receive or acknowledge him as the 
envoy of the United States. The French cruisers captured 
a large number of American merchant vessels, and confis- 
cated their cargoes. Congress assembled on the 15th of 
May, and adopted measures to maintain the honor of the 
nation, by resisting the encroachments of France. 

2." In pursuance of the policy recommended by the Pre- 
sident, of effecting an amicable adjustment of differences 
by negotiation, three envoys extraordinary were appointed 
•o ^>he French Republic, namely, Charles Cotesworth Pinck- 



ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 147 

ney, Jolin Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry The 
new envoys met in Paris (October 4th), and sent 
notice of their arrival to the government. A secret agent 
waited on them, and intimated that a loan of money to the 
Republic, and a present to the French Directory, would 
open the way to a negotiation. " We will not give you one 
cent/' was the spirited reply of the American envoys. 

3. Government now resolved on vigorous mea- 
sures, and Congress authorized the President to 

enlist ten thousand men as a provisional army, to be called 
into service in case of hostilities. Washington was appointed 
commander-in-chief. An act was also passed, authorizing 
the commanders of public armed vessels, and granting 
commissions to private vessels, to capture French armed 
vessels. 

4. In consequence of the latter-named act, a 
number of French armed vessels were captured. 

The French frigate L'Insurgente was taken by the Constel- 
lation, Commodore Truxtun, after a sharp action, lasting an 
hour and a quarter. The prize was manned and sent to the 
United States. The President, having received an intima- 
tion that the French government were willing to negotiate, 
appointed three envoys, who were confirmed by the Senate, 
and soon after proceeded to France. The envoys appointed 
were Messrs. William V. Murray, W. R. Davie, and Olivei 
Ellsworth. 

5. But all public affairs were now lost sight of and ab- 
sorbed by a domestic calamity, which filled every heart with 
the deepest sorrow. This was the news of the death of that 
best of men and most unselfish of patriots, George Washing- 
ton. He died on the 14th of December, after one day's 
illness, brought on by exposure to a cold rain while riding 
over his estate. Congress adopted suitable testimonials of 



148 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

profound respect for liis memory, and appointed a 
committee to devise the most suitable manner of 
doing honor to the memory of the man ''first in war, first 
in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'^ 

6. As there now appeared some prospect of a 
favorable adjustment of difiiculties v/ith Fmiico, 
warlike preparations by laud were abandoned, though 
hostilities at sea still continued, as well as the arming 
of merchant vessels. Commodore Truxtun, while cruising 
off Guadaloupe, discovered a large vessel, to which he gave 
chase. It was the French frigate La Vengeance, of fifty 
guns, which was overtaken by the Constellation, and a 
running fire kept up for several hours. The French vessel 
was silenced, but before Truxtun could take possession of 
his prize, she managed to escape in the darkness of the 
night, with a hundred and fifty men killed or wounded 
(February 1st). 

7. The removal of the seat of government from Philadel- 
phia to Washington took place in the course of the summer, 
and Congress met in the Federal city in November. A 
rreaty of peace was now made with the French government, 
at the head of which was Napoleon Bonaparte. 

8. The votes of the electors for President showed 
isoi. 

that no one of the candidates had a majority of the 

whole number of votes. Mr. Jefi"erson and Mr. Burr had 

each seventy-three votes, Mr. Adams sixty-five, and Mr. 

Pinckney sixty-four. The decision consequently had to be 

made by the House of Representatives. The contest now 

was between Burr and Jefferson, and thirty-five ballots were 

taken without electing either of the candidates. But at the 

thirty-sixth ballot some of Burr's supporters gave way, and 

Mr. Jefferson was elected, and Mr. Burr^ being the second 

In choice, became Vica-President. 



149 

Qtuidsns on John Adams' Administration. — 1. How was Mr. 
Pinckney treated in France ? What was done by the French 
cruisers ? When did Congress assemble ? 

2. Who were now sent to France ? What intimation was made 
to them? What was their answer? 

3. What vigorous measures were adopted by Congress ? Who 
was appointed commander-in-chief? 

4. What vessel was captured by Commodore Truxiun? What 
envoys were now sent to the French Republic ? 

5. Why were all public affairs lost sight of? When did Wash- 
ington die ? What was the committee of Congress appointed to 
devise ? 

6. What is said of a naval engagement in 1800 ? 

7. When was the seat of government removed from Philadelphia 
to Washington ? How long was the seat of government in the 
former city ? What treaty was made ? 

8. Give the result of the presidential election. Who was elected 
President by the House of Representatives ? Wh« became Vice- 
President ? In what year ? 



THOMAS JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. At tlie commencement of Mr. Jefferson's 

1801. 

administration, the United States were at jDeace 
with the whole world. The revenue was abundant, com- 
merce flourishing, and the President was not harassed by 
foreign wars or domestic insurrections. But this halcyon 
state was of short continuance. Much insolence was dis- 
played by the Barbary States, to whom the United States 
paid large sums in annual tribute. The Bey of Tripoli had 
feceived a gross sum for the purchase of a treaty, but, 
(iissatisned with not receiving a sum annually, he declared 
war airainst the United States 



150 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

2. Commodore Dale was sent with four sliips into 

1801. ... 

the Mediterranean. On his arrival at Gibraltar he 
found two cruisers watching for American vessels. These 
were blockaded by the Philadelphia frigate, while Bain- 
bridge was giving convoy to the American merchant vessels. 
Dale, in the ship President, followed by the schooner 
Experiment, set ofiF to cruise oflf the harbor of Tripoli. On 
their way the Experiment captured a Tripolitan cruiser, 
after an action of three hours. 

3. As the territory now constitutins: the state 

1803. , *^ , . p . 

of Ohio had the requisite number of inhabitants, 
it was admitted as a state into the Union. It originally 
formed part of the North-West Territory, and was first 
settled at Marietta in 1788, by emigrants from the New 
England States. Ohio had increased with wonderful ra- 
pidity, although not settled at' the close of the Revolution. 

4. Much trouble had been anticipated by the 
refusal of the Spanish to allow the Americans the 

free navigation of the Mississippi River, and it was feared 
that the closing of the port of New Orleans to the pro- 
ductions of the United States would occasion war, or the 
alienation of the western states bordering on the Mississippi. 
Accordingly negotiations were opened for the purchase of 
the country of Louisiana. It had been ceded to France in 
1 800. Bonaparte, knowing that France could not retain it 
against the naval power of England, sold it to the United 
States for fifteen millions of dollars, out of which sum ^iree 
million seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars were to ba 
paid to American citizens for claims on France. 

5. The war with Tripoli still continuing, a fleet under 
command of Commodore Edward Preble was sent out to 
relieve the ships which had been so long on duty in the 
Mediterranean. The PhilaCelphia, commanded by Captaia 



Jefferson's administration. 153 

Bainbridge, wh?Ie pursuing a vessel wliicli was 
attempting to enter the harbor, ran with great 
force upon a sunken rock, where she remained fixed, and 
the brare commander was obliged to surrender. The 
captciin and officers were treated with comparative indul- 
gence, but the men were reduced to slavery. The vessel 
was soon after set afloat and towed into the liarbor. 

6. Soon after the loss of the Philadelphia, it was 
1804. ^ ' 

suggested to Commodore Preble to destroy that 
vessel, then refitting in the harbor of Tripoli. This adven- 
turous operation was intrusted to Lieutenant Decatur. He 
set sail from Syracuse in a vessel taken from the enemy, 
and named the Intrepid. He entered the harbor of Tripoli 
in the evening, and at midnight boarded the captured 
frigate, overcame the guard, set fire to the vessel, and 
retreated without loss or injury. 

7. Great excitement prevailed in the public mind in 
consequence of a duel between Vice-President Burr and 
General Hamilton, in which the latter was killed. Burr, 
fearful of arrest for murder, escaped to the south, and waited 
till the public indignation had in some measure subsided. 
Hamilton was universally lamented, as he was a statesman 
of rare qualification, and fitted to adorn any station. 

8. The blockade of Tripoli was kept up through the 
summer, and several attacks were made on the city. Soon 
after, a new squadron arrived, and Commodore Barron, who 
had superseded Commodore Preble, now took the command. 
But new alarms of hostilities on the part of Morocco made 
it necessary for a part of the fleet to cruise near Gibraltar; 
and at Tripoli nothing was done beyond keeping up thte 
blockade. 

9. When the votes for President and Vice-President 
were counted, it was found that Mr. Jefferson was re-elected 



152 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

President. Georo-e Clinton was elected Vice- 

] 805 

President for four years from the 4tli of March. 
The war with Tripoli still continued. Hamet, the brother 
of the reigning bashaw of Tripoli, and who had been 
deprived of his sovereignty and driven into exile, was now 
sought out by William Eaton, American consul at Tunis, 
and an army raised to make a land attack on Tripoli. They 
set-out from Alexandria, and, after a weary march across 
the desert, attacked and captured Derne, a city belonging 
to Tripoli. But soon after, a treaty of peace was made by 
Mr. Lear, consul at Algiers, with the Tripolitans. This 
treaty provided for an exchange of prisoners, but as the 
bashaw had two hundred more prisoners than the Americans, 
sixty thousand dollars were paid for their liberation, and no 
farther aid was to be extended to Hamet. 

10. The wars of Europe furnished a vast amount 
of trade to American vessels, who, being neutrals, 

carried on the commerce of Europe, and supplied all its 
ports with manufactured goods and agricultural productions. 
The British government became dissatisfied with this com- 
merce with France, and, to prevent it, an order was issued, 
declaring the coast of France, from Brest to the river Elbe, 
in a state of blockade. Napoleon, the same year, issued 
what is known as the Berlin Decree, declaring the British 
Islands in a state of blockade. In consequence of these 
acts great numbers of American vessels were taken by both 
British and French cruisers, and their cargoes confiscated. 
Another grievance arose from the practice by Great Britain 
of impressing American seamen, claiming them as British 
subjects. 

11. Aaron Burr, the late Vice-President of the 
1807. . ' . , 

United States, was brought to trial for high treason. 

Hq had collected a large number of men and boats, and it 



Jefferson's administration. 153 

was char2;ed on him that he desioned to effect a 

separation of the Western States from the Union, 

or make an attack on the Spanish provinces of Mexico 

But in both cases the jury found him not guilty, and this 

ended the prosecution. 

12. By an order from a British admiral, the frigate 
Chesapeake, Commodore Barron, which was leaving her 
port for the Mediterranean, was attacked by the British 
ship Leopard. Three men were killed, eighteen wounded, 
and four taken as deserters from the British navy. This 
outrage produced great excitement throughout the country, 
and the President by proclamation ordered all British armed 
vessels to leave the harbors of the United States, and for- 
bade all intercourse with them. 

13. In November, the British government issued the 
celebrated "• Orders in Council," prohibiting any neutral 
trade with France, exceptfjUcensed in a British port. Soon 
after. Napoleon issued the " Milan Decree," forbidding all 
trade with England and her colonies, and making vessels 
sailing from England lawful prizes, thus exposing all 
American vessels to seizure by one or other of the con- 
tending powers. In December, Congress laid an embargo 
on American ships, which they hoped would compel Eng- 
land and France to repeal decrees so ruinous to American 
commerce. 

14. The embaro-o, however, failed of its destined 

1809. 

effect, and it was bitterly opposed at home, as 
putting an end to all commerce with foreign nations. It 
was repealed by Congress, and an act interdicting all 
commerce with France and England substituted in its 
place. Mr. Jefferson having declined a re-election, Jamea 
Madison was elected President, and George Clinton Vice- 
President. 
14 



154 niSTOKY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Questions on TJioinas Jefferson's Administration. — 1. Who declared 
war ag.ainst the United States, and why ? 

2. Describe Commodore Dale's expedition against Tripoli. 

3. When was Ohio admitted into the Union? Where and when 
was it first settled ? By whom ? 

4. What large territory was purchased from France? How 
much was paid for it ? How much of the purchase-money was 
retained for claims due by France ? 

5. Who commanded the fleet now sent against Tripoli ? What 
happened to the Philadelphia ? 

6. Who undertook the destruction of that vessel? Relate the 
circumstances. 

7. What excitement prevailed ? W^hat is said of Hamilton ? 

8. What further is said of the war with Tripoli? Who took 
command of the fleet ? What other nation seemed to be hostile ? 

9. AVhat was the result of the presidential election ? Describe 
a land attack made on Tripoli. By whom was it conducted ? 
By whom was a treaty of peace made ? What were its pro- 
visions? J , 

10. What order was issued by the "^Jritisli government ? What 
by Napoleon ? What was the consequence of these two acts ? 
What other grievance arose ? 

11. What charge was made against Aaron Burr? 

12. What American vessel was attacked by the British ship 
Leopard ? Give the result. 

13. What was decreed by the "Orders in Council?" What by 
the "Milan Decree?" What act was- passed by Congress in con- 
sequence ? 

14. What is said of the Embargo ? When it was repealed, 
what act was substituted? Who were elected President and 
Vice-President? 



1 



Madison's administration. 155 



JAMES MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Mr. Madison eutered on the duties of bis 

1 S 09. 

office at a time when the country was beset with 
difiicuUies and dangers. Commerce had been paralyzed by 
the embargo, and England and France persisted in their 
obnoxious measures. Soon after his accession, however, a 
prospect of conciliation was aiforded by the assurance of 
Mr. Erskine, the British minister, that the " Orders in 
Council" should be repealed by the lOtli of June. The 
President therefore gave notice that commercial intercourse 
would be renewed on that day. The British ministry, how- 
ever, disavowed the acts of their minister, and non-inter- 
course with England was again proclaimed. Mr. Erskine 
was recalled, and succeeded by Mr. Jackson, whose conduct 
was so offensive to the American government, that the Pre- 
fiident declined all communication with him. 

2. The next year Napoleon issued a decree, by 
which American vessels arriving in any of the 

ports of France were to be seized ; but in November the 
decree was repealed, and commercial intercourse between 
the United States and France renewed. England <till con 
tinued her hostile measures, and intercepted the American 
merchant vessels, sending them into British ports as lawful 
prizes. 

8. Commodore Rosrers, in the friirate President, 

1811. . . 

encountered a British vessel on the coast, which he 
hailed ; but the commander of the unknown vessel, instead 
of replying, fired a gun. The fire was promptly returned 
by Commodore Rogers, and the guns of the strans'er 
silenced. On hailing again the answer was given that the 



156 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

vessel was the " Little Belt." comraanded by Cap- 
is 1 1< ' »' r 

tain Bingliam. The British vessel had eleven men 
killed and twenty-one wounded, and the x\mericau vessel 
one man wounded. 

4. The Indians on the western frontiers had now become 
hostile, and General Harrison, governor of Indiana Ter- 
ritory, marched against the tribes on the Wabash. On his 
approach to their town the chiefs proposed a conference, 
and requested him to encamp for the night. But Harrison 
'cnew the treachery of the Indian character, and ordered 
Ais men to sleep on their arms. Before morning the camp 
was furiously assailed, and a fierce battle ensued, which 
resulted in the defeat of the Indians. This battle takes 
its name from the Tippecanoe, on whose banks it was 
f'jught. 

5. Durino; this year Louisiana was admitted into 

181J3. 

the Union. The first settlement was made in 1G99 
by a French company, conducted by D'Iberville, a brave 
and intelligent naval officer. In 17(32 the territory was 
c^ded to Spain, and continued under Spanish rule until 
1800, when it was retroceded to France, and by that nation 
conveyed to the United States. (See Jefferson's Adminis- 
tration.) 

6. As there seemed to be no prospect of an accommoda- 
tion with Great Britain, Congress made preparations for 
hostilities, laid an embargo for ninety days on all vessels 
within the jurisdiction of the United States, and, on the 
18th of June, declared war against that nation. Exertions 
were made to raise a large army, to enlist men, and call out 
the militia. General Dearborne, an officer of the Bevolu- 
tion, was appointed commander-in-chief 

7. General Hull, the governor of Michigan Territory, 
crossed the river Detroit into Canada with a force of two 



Madison's admixistbatiom. 157 

thousand men, and encamped at Sandwicli (July 
12tli). While Hull was inactive in camp, the fort 
at Mackinaw was surprised by a party of British, and its 
surrender demanded. This was the first intimation the 
garrison had of the existence of war between the two 
countries. The demand could not be resisted, and a strong 
post was thus lost to the United States (July 17th). 

8. The loss of this post, the defeat of a detachment, the 
seizure of his supplies by the enemy, and the inability on 
the part of the American general to maintain a communi- 
cation with the government, determined him to fall back 
on Detroit and act on the defensive. Here he was attacked 
by General Brock, with a force of British and Indians. 
The guns were ready to open on the advancing column, 
when, to the surprise of his men, Hull offered to capitulate. 
The terms were accepted by the British general, and De- 
troit and the whole territory of Michigan were surrenderc d 
to the enemy. 

9. A second army, under General Dearborne, had assem- 
bled on Lake Champlain, with a force of militia at different 
points on the St. Lawrence Ptiver; and a third army, under 
General Van Rensselaer was collected alono* the Niasrara 
River, from Fort Niagara to Buffalo. A part of this army 
crossed the river (October 13th) and stormed a battery 
which had opened a severe fire upon them. Van Rensse- 
laer was severely wounded, and the British general, Brock, 
was killed. The battle was continued for several hours, 
but the militia on the American side refused to embark, 
denying the general's constitutional right to march them 
into Canada, and, the British being reinforced, the brave 
troops on the Canada side were obliged to surrender. The 
total loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was upwards 
of a thousand. General Van Rensselaer resigned his com- 

14* 



158 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

mand and was succeeded by General Smyth, but 

181/2 ^ ' 

nothing effectual was accomplished by either army 
during the year. 

10. But, although failure had attended the land forces, 
the navy had performed some brilliant achievements. The 
Essex, Captain Porter, captured the British sloop Alert, 
and being soon pursued by the enemy's blockading squadron, 
escaped into the Delaware. The Constitution, Captain Hull, 
while cruising off the coast, encountered a British frigate, 
the Gruerriere, which opened a fire on the approach of the 
American vessel (August 19th). The fire was not, how- 
ever, returned until the Constitution obtained a favorable 
position, when broadside after broadside was fired in rapid 
succession. All the masts of the Guerriere were shot away, 
and her hull was greatly damaged. She had seventy-eight 
killed and wounded, and was obliged to surrender. The 
wreck was set on fire and blown up, and the Constitution 
returned with her prisoners to Boston. 

11. The next naval engagement, in point of time, was 
between the sloop of war Wasp, commanded by Captain 
Jacob Jones, and the British brig Frolic (October 13th). 
After a raking fire on the part of the Americans, the British 
vessel was boarded, and presented a dreadful scene of car- 
nage, with none at their posts except the man at the wheei, 
who continued faitliful to his trust. The wounded officers 
made signals of surrender, and the flag was lowered by the 
American lieutenant. Soon after the battle, both vessels 
were taken by the Poictiers, seventy-four gun ship, and 
carried into Bermuda. 

12. On the 25th of October, the United States, Captain 
Decatur, gave chase to a vessel near the Azores, which 
proved to be the Macedonian. In the action which ensued, 
the rigging of the Macedonian was greatly damaged, her 



Madison's administuation. 159 

masts shot away, and upwards of a handred of her 
men killed and wounded. The two vessels were 

taken into Newport, and thence, through Long Island 

Sound, to New York. 

13. The last naval triumph of this year was the capture 
of the British frigate Java, by the Constitution, now com- 
manded by Captain Bainbridge, off the coast of Brazil 
(December 29th). The Java's masts were shot away, her 
commander and twenty-two of her crew killed, and upwards 
of a hundred wounded. In consequence of the distance 
from home, Captain Bainbridge deemed it too hazardous to 
attempt taking his prize into port. She was therefore set 
on fire, and the Constitution, with her gallant crew, returned 
to the United States. ♦ 

14. During this year, George Clinton, the Vice-President, 
died, and, at the presidential election, Mr. Madison was 
re-elected President, and Elbridge Gerry Vice-President 
General Harrison, who had been appointed to the command 
of the western army, destined to march against the enemy 
at Detroit, was busily employed in forwarding provisions to 
Fort Defiance, Fort McArthur, and Upper Sandusky, with 
the intention of concentrating his troops at the falls of the 
Maumee River ; but he was unable to advance against the 
enemy until January. 

15. Orders were now sent to General Winchester, 

1 8 1.3 

in command of the Kentucky trofps at Fort Defi- 
ance, to move down the Maumee and occupy the Rapids. 
A detachment was sent against the British and Indiaus 
occupying Frenchtown, on the river Raisin. A sudden 
attack dislodged the enemy, and General Winchester arrired 
soon after and took the command. The morning after his 
arrival his camp was assaulted by a British column from 
Maiden, commanded by Colonel Proctor (January 22d). 



160 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 

Tlie Americans were put to fliglit and many taken 
prisoners, among wliom was General Winchester. 
The prisoners were taken to Maiden, with the exception 
of the wounded, who were left at Frenchtown. The next 
day a band of Indians broke into the houses where the 
wounded lay and massacred them; the British guard being 
unable or unwilling to protect them. Harrison now ad- 
va]]ced to the Rapids, and took his position at Fort Meigs. 

16. A naval engagement, off the mouth of the Demarara, 
occurred between the Hornet, Captain Lawrence, and the 
British brig Peacock. After a brief, but very severe 
engagement, the Peacock struck her flag, hoisting a signal 
of distress. It was then found that the brig was sinking. 
Before the prisoners could be transferred to the Hornet, 
the prize suddenly went down, carrying with her nine of 
her own men and three of the Hornet's. Lawrence set out 
for home, and arrived safely in New York. 

17. In April, Fort Meigs was besieged by the British and 
Indians from Maiden, under Colonel Proctor. Soon aft^r, 
General Clay, with twelve hundred Kentucky volunteers, 
arrived. The troops landed and attacked the batteries, but 
wore in turn surprised by Proctor, and made prisoners, with 
the exception of one hundred and fifty, who escaped into 
the fort. A sortie from the fort destroyed the battery on 
the south bank of the river, and Proctor, fearing the arrival 
of more volun^ers, retired to Maiden. 

18. Commodore Chauncey, having now a fleet on Lake 
Ontario, consisting of the Madison, the Oneida, and eleven 
armed schooners, it was resolved to attack *York, the 
capital ot Upper Canada. A detachment of sixteen hun- 
dred from General Bearborne's army crossed the lake in 



* Now " Toronto.' 



Madison's administration. 161 

this flotilla, and effected a landing; on tlie 27tli of 



1813. 

April. General Pike led on the troops, and the 
enemy fled ; but the explosion of a magazine killed or 
wounded two hundred of the Americans, General Pike 
himself mortally. The town soon after capitulated, and the 
troops re-embarked for Fort Niagara. Dearborn e's aimy 
having been reinforced, a landing was effected in Canada, 
the light troops, under Scott and Forsyth, leading the way. 
Fort George was abandoned by the British, and all the 
British posts on the Niagara were soon after evacuated. 
The enemy now made an attack on Sackett's Harbor, 
during Commodore Chauncey's absence, and, having effected 
a landing, destroyed the barracks and magazine. A severe 
action ensued, and the assailants were driven back to their 
ships. General Brown, who commanded the militia, was 
promoted to the rank of brigadier-general in the regular 
army (May 29th). 

19. Lawrence, the brave commander of the Hornet, now 
made captain, had command of the Chesapeake, then block- 
aded in Boston harbor. "When the Chesapeake was nearly 
ready for sea, the Shannon, Captain Broke, appeared alone 
off the harbor. Lawrence, regarding this as a challenge, 
hastened to a deadly encounter. The crew of the Chesa- 
peake were discontented, and her most efficient officers were 
on the sick list. But the commander did not hesitate to 
follow the Shannon some distance out to sea, where the 
engagement commenced (June 1st). In consequence of 
an accident to the Chesapeake's sails she became exposed 
to a raking fire, when Lawrence himself fell mortally 
wounded. The enemy now boarded, took possession of 
the ship, and carried her to Halifax, where Captain Law- 
rence was buried with military honors. 

20. Chesapeake Bay w^as invaded by a British squadron, 



1G2 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

which carried a large body of troops, many of whom 
were of the worst class of society. They first 
made an attack on Norfolk, which was gallantly repulsed. 
They then lauded at Hampton, which they captured, and 
were guilty of the most shocking brutalities. Frenchtown, 
Havre-de-Grace, Georgetown, and Fredericktown were 
burned, and considerable alarm was excited on the coasts 
of Delaware Bay by the bombardment of Lewes, a village 
near Cape Henlopen. 

21. For some time nothing had been effected on the 
western frontier. General Harrison was waiting for rein- 
forcements, and the armies at *Fort George and *Bnrling- 
ton were inoperative for want of commanders. Proctor, on 
the 21st of July, advanced against Fort Meigs, but failing 
to induce the garrison to sally out, he advanced against 
Fort Stephenson, at Lower Sandusky. This post was 
gallantly defended by Major Croghan. He repulsed the 
enemy, who retreated that night, and returned to Maiden. 
The Argus, sloop of war, Captain Allen, captured twenty- 
one merchant vessels in the British Channel. An engage- 
ment took place, on the loth of August, between that 
vessel and the British sloop of war Pelican, when the 
Argus was captured, and her brave commander mortally 
«vounded. Another naval action took place on the 5tli of 
h'eptember, between the American brig Enterprise and the 
British brig Boxer. The Boxer struck her colors after a 
severe engagement, in which both commanders were killed. 

22. An Indian war now broke out in Georgia and Ala- 
bama. A large body of the Creeks commenced hostilities 
by murdering the whites. The inhabitants in the south- 

* The American army at Fort George and the British at Bur- 
lington. 



i 



Madison's administration. 1G3 

west of Alabama collected in forts, one of wliicb, 
Fort Mimms, on the Alabama River, was surprised 
fey the Indians, and its inmates, with the exception of a 
few who escaped, were massacred. General Jackson, with 
an army, marched against them, and defeated them ar 
Talladega, Attossee, and Tallushatchee. 

23. Oliver H. Perry, a young naval officer, having, by 
energy and perseverance, equipped a small fleet at Erie, 
Pennsylvania, sailed for Maiden, to offer battle to the enemy. 
His fleet consisted of nine vessels, carrying fifty-four guns. 
The British fleet consisted of six vessels, carrying sixty-three 
guns, commanded by Commodore Barclay. The two fleets 
met on the 10th of September, at an early hour in the 
morning, but, the wind being light, they did not come to 
close action until noon. The enemy's fire concentrated ou 
the Lawrence, Perry's flag-ship, and continued for more 
than two hours, dismounting her guns, disabling her sails, 
making her almost a wreck, and producing great slaughter. 
Perry now took a boat and passed to the Niagara, com- 
manded by Captain Elliott. 

24. The British ships were now thrown into disorder, 
and the Niagara passing through their hne discharged a 
succession of broadsides with such terrific effect, that the 
enemy's vessels all surrendered. The battle lasted three 
hours, with a loss of about one hundred and fifty men on 
each side in killed and wounded. Commodore Perry now 
t^ook General Harrison's troops on board, and conveyed them 
to the Canada side. Proctor retreated immediately from 
Fort Maiden. Harrison set out in pursuit, and, on arriving 
opposite Detroit, was joined by Colonel Johnson's mounted 
regiment. 

25. The pursuit was continued, and on the 4th of Octo- 
ber Harrison came up with the rear of Proctor's army, 



164 HTSTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 

and capiured liis stores and ammunition. The 

1813. ^ 

next day the main body was overtaken near the 
Moravian town on the Thames River, the regulars being 
supported by Tecumseh and a band of Indians. The 
regulars were attacked by Johnson's mounted men, and 
completely broken at the first charge, when they threw 
down their arms and surrendered. Proctor and two hun- 
dred escaped by timely flight. The Indians fought bravely 
for some time, but Tecumseh having fallen, they made a 
precipitate retreat. The American loss "^as seventeen 
killed, and thirty wounded, among whom was Colonel 
Johnson himself very severely. General Cass, who was 
now appointed governor of Michigan, was left with his 
brigade to garrison Detroit, and General Harrison with his 
regulars embarked for Buffalo, to co-operate with the army 
on Lake Ontario for the conquest of Upper Canada. 

26. The Creek War in Alabama still continued. 

1814. 

Early in January, General Jackson marched to the 
relief of General Floyd, but was attacked by a large force 
wiih great spirit. Though the Indians were repulsed, 
Jackson deemed it advisable to fall back to Fort Strother, 
where he was attacked by the Creeks (January 24th). On 
the 27th, the Indians assailed Floyd's camp, and were 
repelled, after a severe struggle. General Jackson was now 
reinforced by four thousand Tennessee militia, a regiment 
of regulars, and a large number of friendly Indians. With 
this force he marched to the Great Bend of the river Talla- 
[)00sa. Here he found the main body of the enemy were 
strongly posted at Tohopeka, or the Horse-Shoe Bend. 
The battle continued with great obstinacy for five hours, 
when the Indians were defeated with great slaughter. Very 
few prisoners were taken, except women and children. 
This battle put an end to the war. The Indians made no 



Madison's /dminlstration. 165 

further resistance, but submitted to the victorious 
1814. . ' . 

general, with the exception of a portion of the 

tnbe who escaped to Florida. 

27. The Essex, Commodore Porter, had been very su»> 
cessful on the Pacific Ocean. Having returned to Valpa- 
raiiso, she was attacked by two vessels, the frigate Phoebe 
and the sloop of war Cherub. After a desperate resistance 
ag^ainst this unequal force, Porter was compelled to surrender 
(March 28th). On the 21st of April, the new sloop of war 
Frolic was captured by the British frigate Orpheus. The 
Peacock, Captain ^yarrington, captured the brig Epervier, 
with $118,000 in specie, and carried her prize into Savan- 
nah (April 27th). The Wasp, Captain Blakely, captured 
and destroyed the Reindeer, near the English Channel, and 
then put into L'Orient for repairs. 

28. The next important event of the year was another 
invasion of Canada. The expedition was conducted by 
General Brown, assisted by Generals Scott and Ripley 
Crossing the Niagara from Buffalo, they came to Fort Erie 
early in the morning of July 3d. The small garrison 
holding this post surrendered the same day, without re- 
sistance. The next day. General Scott led the advance 
against General Riall, at Chippewa, and having driven in 
the British outposts, he was joined by General Brown, witli 
the rest of the army. 

29. On the 5th, the British advanced on the Americans, 
and the battle commenced with skirmishes of the light 
troops. The British were driven back by General Portei. 
but finding the main army under General Riall advancing, 
they rallied and in turn attacked Porter, whose light troops 
broke and fled. At this juncture, General Scott's brigade 
was moving forward, and soon encountered the main army 
under General Riall, which had crossed the Chippewa, and 

15 



166 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

formed on the plain. Major Jessup attacked the 
enemy on the right wing, and, after a severe 
encounter, caused them to retire. General Scott ordered 
his men to charge, which they did so effectually, supported 
by Towson's artillery, that the British broke and fled, faitly 
routed in an open plain. They fled to their intrenchments 
beyond the Chippewa, closely pursued by General Scott, 
who took a large number of prisoners. 

30. After the battle of Chippewa, General Riall reinforced 
the forts near the mouth of the Niagara River, and then 
retired to Burlington Heights, near the head of Lake 
Ontario. On the 25th of July, General Brown received 
information that the enemy were crossing the Niagara 
River at Queenstowu. He immediately despatched General 
Scott, with a detachment of thirteen hundred men, to 
threaten the forts at the mouth of the Niagara. Just above 
the Falls, Scott learned that the enemy was drawn up in 
force to oppose him. Supposing that it was a remnant of 
the British army, he dashed forward to disperse them, and 
was astonished to find the whole British army drawn up in 
order of battle on Lundy's Lane. 

31. Notwithstanding the disparity of numbers, however, 
Scott gallantly maintained his position, and sent to General 
Brown to hasten up the reserved forces. The battle com- 
menced a little before sunset, and continued till midnight. 
General Riall was wounded in the onset, and, with several 
other officers, was made prisoner. About nine o'clock, 
General Brown came to the relief of Scott, and directed 
General Ripley to form a new line with the advancing 
forces, and thus relieve General Scott's exhausted troops. 
The enemy's battery on an adjoining eminence commanded 
the field of action. In order to obtain the victory, it was 
necessary to seize this, battery. This duty was assigned to 



Madison's administration. 167 

Colonel Miller, who, on beinsr asked if he could 

1814. ' ' ° 

take the battery, answered, " I will try/^ He 
advanced steadily and gallantly to the charge, captured the 
position, and seized the cannon. The British made desperate 
attempts to recover their lost ground, but failed in each 
attempt, and the contest closed by the field of battle 
remaining in possession of the Americans. 

32. General Scott was severely wounded in this battle. 
He had two horses shot under him, and was finally disabled 
from a musket-ball through his shoulder. General Brown 
was also wounded, but did not at once resign the command. 
The army fell back to Chippewa, but learning that General 
Drummond with a large British column was fast approaching. 
General Brown fell back to Fort Erie, of which post he 
directed General Gaines to take the command. On the 3d 
of August, General Drummond arrived at Fort Erie, and 
commenced his preparations for a siege. On the 13th he 
commenced a cannonade, and, on the 15th, attempted to 
storm the works. The assailants were met and repulsed 
on every side, one column only proving for a short time 
successful. This party got possession of an exterior bastion, 
but soon after were driven out by the explosion of a 
quantity of cartridges in a small stone building within it. 
The enemy lost in this unsuccessful attack more than nine 
hundred men. 

33. While the British were besieging Fort Erie, a suc- 
cessful invasion was made by a fleet under Admiral Coch- 
rane, which resulted in the capture of Washington. The 
fleet, with four thousand five hundred troops under General 
Ross, entered the Chesapeake Bay on the 18th of August, 
and disembarked on the 20th at Benedict, on the Patuxont. 
without opposition. Commodore Barney, v/ho had command 
of a flotilla of gun-boats, destroyed them on the approach 



i58 History of tfie united states. 

of the enemy, and thus nothing oppovsed tlioir 
march until they reached Bladeusburg. 

34. General Winder made a stand at the latter place, 
and was attacked by the enemy on the 24th. The battle 
commenced at one o'clock, and lasted till four, when the 
Americans were obliged to give way, and the British 
marched the same evening into Washington. The Secre- 
tary of the Navy ordered the destruction of the stores in 
the Navy Yard, and the burning of two vessels, to prevent 
their falling into the hands of the British. The President 
and his cabinet officers, and the principal inhabitants, fled 
on the approach of the British troops. The British burned 
the Capitol, the President's House, the Treasury and War 
Offices, the State Department, the Library of Congress, 
the bridge across the Potomac, and several unoffending 
private dwellings. The next night they left the sackeil 
and plundered city, and, after four days' march, arrived 
at Benedict, where they rc-embarked. A detachment 
of Cochrane's fleet sailed up the Potomac, and anchored 
before Alexandria, which surrendered at discretion, giving 
up twenty-one merchant vessels, and a large quantity of 
merchandise, with which the enemy successfully retreated, 
the Americans being unable to make any efl^ective oppo- 
sition. 

35. The Wasp, after refitting at L'Orient, subsequently 
to her hard-fought battle with the Reindeer, put to sea, 
and, on September 1st, engaged and captured the British 
sloop of war Avon, which sank soon after striking. The 
Wasp made three other prizes, and was last seen October 
Otli, near the Cape Verde Islands. From that time she 
was never heard of^ the good vessel, with her brave 
captain and gallant crew, perished at sea; far from human 
•5'iccor, they sank into the depths of unknown waters. The 



Madison's administration. 169 

Americans now had no navy on the ocean, and it 
is mortifying to state that at sea the x\merican flag 
floated from no national vesseL 

86. General Izard, in command of the army at Plattsburg, 
was ordered to Sackett's Harbor, with four thousand men, 
the flower of his army, to co-operate with General Brown, 
should occasion present. General Prevost now adA'aueed 
against Plattsburg, with twelve thousand men. General 
Macomb, with his forces, was strongly intrenched behind 
the Saranac, a rapid and unfordable stream. The enemy 
spent four days in throwing up batteries and preparing for 
an attack, which they resolved should commence with the 
appearance of their fleet. In the mean time, Commodore 
M'Donough's squadron anchored in Plattsburg Bay. It 
consisted of fourteen vessels, carrying eighty-six guns and 
eight hundred and fifty men. The British fleet, commanded 
by Captain Do^nie, consisted of seventeen vessels, carrying 
ninety-five gtins, and manned by one thousand seamen. 

37. The battle commenced on the 11th of September, 
between the two fleets. Captain Downie attempted to carry 
his fleet into the harbor, but his largest vessel sufi'ered so 
severely, he was obliged to abandon it at the distance of a 
quarter of a mile from the American ships. The battle 
continued for more than two hours, when the flag-ship of 
the enemy having surrendered, the other vessels soon fol- 
lowed her example. On shore the enemy attacked Macomb's 
position, but were unsuccessful in every attempt. The same 
evening the British retreated in haste, leaving their sick and 
wounded behind, and a part of their military stores. 

38. The same day which witnessed M'Donough's victory, 
the British fleet in the Chesapeake appeared ofl" the Patapsco. 
The following morning, General Ross, with five thousacd 
men, landed at North Point, fourteen miles from Baltimore, 

15* 



170 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and immediately marched towards that city. The 

1814. -^ . -^ 

defence of the city had been intrusted to ten 
thousand militia, including the city regiments, and some 
volunteei"s from Pennsylvania. One division was under the 
command of General Strieker, the other was confided to 
General Winder, and the whole under the command of 
General Samuel Smith. As General Ross, at the head 
of a reconnoitering party, approached the outposts of the 
Americans, a skirmish ensued, in which Ross was killed, 
but, the main body coming up, the militia were driven from 
the ground. The command of the British now devolved 
on Colonel Brooke, who led the army near the American 
lines. The British rested on the field that night, and 
the fleet opened a heavy bombardment on Fort M' Henry. 
Major Armistead returned the fire, and the bombardment 
was continued through the night, after which the British 
troops retired to their ships, re-embarked, and abandoned 
the attack on Baltimore. 

39. In the mean time the siege of Fort Erie continued. 
General Brown, who had recovered from his wounds, took 
command of the fort, and, on the 17th of September, made a 
sally on the British works, which he surprised, exploded the 
magazines, rendered their guns useless, and captured four 
hundred prisoners. The British soon after raised the siege, 
and retired to Chippewa. In this sally of the Americans, 
General Ripley was severely wounded while spiking tlie 
enemy's guns. General Drummond remained a short time 
at Chippewa, and then retired to Fort George. Soon after, 
General Izard, who superseded General Brown in command 
of the army, arrived. Fort Erie was demolished, and the 
army went into winter quarters at Buffalo, Black Rock, and 
Hatavia (November 5th). 

40. General Jackson, who had command of the southern 



1 



MADISON S ADMINISTRATION 171 

department of the army, found tliat two British 
sloops of war had landed troops at Pensacola, and 
were arming the fugitive Creeks. He immediately marched 
against that cit}^, which he entered without opposition, and 
compelled the British to take to their shipping, and leave 
the harbor. As a report prevailed that a large British 
fleet was proceeding against New Orleans, General Jackson 
hastened by way of Mobile to that city. On the 21st of 
December, the British fleet entered L«ke Borgne, and soon 
landed on the banks of the Mississippi. Here an engage- 
ment took place on the 23d, which was renewed on the 
27th and 28th, and the enemj^'s advance checked. 

41. Great alarm was caused to the government by the 
celebrated Hartford Convention. The people of New Eng- 
land had been dissatisfied with the war, and, agreeably to a 
recommendation of the Massachusetts Legislature, delegates 
were appointed to deliberate on the public measures of the 
Federal Government, The assembly met at Hartford on 
the 15th of December, and consisted of twenty-six delegates. 
Twelve members were appointed by the legislature of Mas- 
sachusetts, seven by Connecticut, four by Rhode Island, 
two by county meetings in New Hampshire, and one by a 
similar meeting in Vermont. After deliberating with closed 
doors for twenty days, they proposed several amendments 
to the Federal Constitution, and messengers were sent to 
Washington to request that a portion of the public taxes 
should be appropriated to the defence of the New England 
States. Elbridge Gerry, the Vice-President, whose health 
had for some time past been failing, died in the mouth 
of November. 

42. The commencement of the new year found 

1815. . *^ 

the British army before New Orleans, making 
extensive preparations for the capture of that city. GenerJ 



172 HISTORY OF THE U.N I TED STATES. 

Jackson had been actively enfrajred in liis prepara- 

1815. ^ J ^ » ^ X k 

tioiis for defence. Not relying on tbe eitiseoG of 
New Orleans, maDj of wliom were alieRS. lie proclaimed 
martiai law, threw up a Iii>e of intrenchments, strongly 
defended by artillery, and with a deep diteh in front. To 
g'lard against an attack on the opposite side of the river, 
General Morgan had been sent to throw np similar defences. 
On the morning of the 8th of January, the main body of 
the British army, led by General Packenham, advanced to 
storm Jackson's position. The British soldiers advanced 
with a determined air, attended by detachments bearing 
fascines and ladders. The American artillery opened on 
them with a destructive fire; but they still moved on with 
a firm step, fresh troops taking the place of the fallen. At 
last, when they came within range of the rifles and muskets, 
tliey were thrown into confusion. General Packenham was 
killed, General Gibbs mortally wonnded, and Genei'al Keene 
so severely, tliat he died soon after the battle. 

43. The command now devolved on General Lambei't, 
who withdrew his forces, and abandoned the contest. The 
enemy on the opposite side of the river, led by Colonel 
Thornton, had been successful, but the British army had 
lost two thousand men, and Lambert, dreading further 
disasters, fell back to the landing-place on Lake Borgne, 
from which place the army re-embarked and left the coast. 

44. The Constitution, commanded by Commodore Charles 
Stewart, had succeeded in getting out of Boston Harbor, 
where she had been so long blockaded. Commodore De- 
catur, now in command of the President, left New York, 
expecting to be joined by the Hornet and Peacock. The 
next morning (January 15th) he was chased by a squadron 
of British vessels. The Endymion frigate, which was in 
advance of the other vessels, was soon disabled by the 



mabison's administration. 173 

President, but, tlie other vessels cominn: up, Dc- 
catur, -not wishing to sacrmce his men in an un- 
equal contest, surrendered. 

45. Hardly had the rejoicings for the preservation of 
New Orleans begun, before the public attention was called 
to an event more joyful than that occasioned by the clash 
of arms or the shouts for victories. The sloop of war 
Favorite, under a flag of truce, arrived at New York on the 
11th of February, bringing intelligence that a treaty of 
peace had been signed, December 2il:th, at Ghent, by the 
I^ritish and American commissioners, and ratified by the 
British government. This treaty was immediately forwarded 
to Washington, laid before the Senate, and unanimously 
ratified by that body on the 17th of February. 

46. Three naval engagements took pla<M3 after the con- 
clusion of peace. The Constitution, after a severe battle 
with the British sioons of war Cyane and Levant, compelled 
each one to surrender. The Hornet, Captain Biddle, en- 
countered and captured the brig of war Penguin, after a, 
sharp engagement, March 23d, and the Peacock, Captain 
Warrington, on the 20th of June, captured the Nautilus, 
in the Straits of Sunda. Captain Warrington being now 
informed of the existence of peace, the prize was imme- 
diately given up. Thus ended hostilities between Great 
Britain and the United States. 

47. During the war with Great Britain, the Dejof Algiers 
had dismissed Mr. Lear, the Am-ericaJi consul, and declared 
war against the United States. Commodore Decatur, witli 
a fleet of ten vessels, was sent to Algiers. On his way he 
captured two Algerine ships of war, one of them the largest 
vessel in the Alg^erine navy. On the 30th of June he 
•appeared with his squadron off the harbor of Algiers, when 
the terrified Dey at once agreed to sign a treaty, by which 



174 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

he siirrendered all piisoiiers, made indemnity for 
captures, and reliiif|iiis]ied all claim to iutiire 
tribute. Treaties were made dunng the year at Detroit, 
with the north-western tribes of Indians. 

48. Congress was occupied during the session 
with a tariff hill, and the adoption of measures to 
increase the public reyenue. A bill was passed incorpo- 
rating the ^'■Bcmh of the United States" with a capital of 
thirty-five millions of dollars. This bank was located in 
l^hiladelphia. Indiana was admitted into the Union as a 
state, Decemlx)r 11th. The first settiemen'j in the state 
was made by the French, at Vincennes, at an early period, 
though the exact time is not known, but sup|X)sed to be 
about the year 1690. In 1763 the territory was ceded by 
treaty to England. A territorial government was organized 
over it in 1801, under which it remained uiitil admitted as 
an independent state of the growing eonfederaey. At the 
presidential election, James Monroe was chosen to succeed 
Mr. Madison, and Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, was 
elected Vice-Pre&ident, entering on the duties of their 
respective offices, March 4th, 1817. 

Qiiestio-ns on James Madison's Administration. — 1. Wliat wjis pro- 
misee! by tiie British minister at Washingtcm ? Was the promise 
fivlftlleil ? What is said of Mr. Jackson ? 

2. What is said of commereial intercourse with Franee ? What 
did England still do? 

3. Give an accoKnt of the President and Little Belt. Who were 
the commanders? 

4. Who was sent against the Indians? What did the chiefs pro- 
pose ? Give an account of their attack. 

5. When was Louisiana admitted into the Union? When and 
by "vihom was the fii-st settlement made ? What oecnrred in 17624 
In 1800* By whcm was it sold to the United States? 



MAIHSON's ADMINISTKATION. 175 

6. Wliat act did Congress now pass? What was done on the 
18tli of June? Who was commander-in-cluef? 

7. Describe General Hull's invasion of Canada, What fort was 
captured by the British? Give the dates of both events. 

8 Why did Hull fall back on Detroit ? By whom was he attack- 
ed ? What, did Hull surrender ? 

9. Where had a second army assembled ? A third army ? What 
did General Van Rensselaer do ? Who was wounded, and who 
killed in this engagement ? What did the militia on the American 
Bide of the Niagara refuse to do ? What was the consequence ? 
Who succeeded General Van Rensselaer? W'hat was accom- 
plished ? 

10. What was done by the Essex, Captain Porter? Tiie Con- 
stitution? Give an account of the battle. Who were the com- 
manders ? 

11. What was the nest naval engagement? Describe the battle. 
What took place after the battle ? 

12. When and where did the next naval battle occur? Describe 
it. To what port where the vessels taken ? 

13. What other naval triumph occurred in 1812 ? Where was 
this battle fought? What was the result? Wliat did Captain 
Bainbridge do with the captured vessel ? 

14. What executive ofl&cer died this year ? Who were elected 
President and Vice-President ? What was General Harrison doing ? 

15. What orders were sent to General Winchester ? Where was 
a detachment sent ? By whom was the camp of General Winchester 
assaulted ? What was the result ? What was done by the Indians ? 
What did Harrison do ? 

16. When and where did a naval engagement take place ? Give 
t description of the battle. 

17. By whom was Fort Meigs besieged? Describe the assault 
on General Clay's detachment. 

18. What was the amount of vessels in Chauncey's fleet ? Who 
commanded the detachment against York? Describe the battle. 
What is said of General Pike ? Whose army was sent to Canada '! 
What place was attacked by the enemy in Chauncey's absence ? 
Describe the engagement. To what rank was General Brown pro- 
moted ? 



116 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

10. To what command was Lawrence promoted? AVliat hattla 
ensued ? Who was mortally wounded ? Where was the captured 
ship taken ? 

20. What towns on Chesapeake Bay were attacked, captured, 
and burned ? 

21. Give an account of Proctors doings. The attack on Fort 
Stephenson. What did the Argus capture? When and by what 
vessel was the Argus captured? Who was mortally ^fvoundtd ! 
What other naval engagement took place ? Give the result. 

22. Where did an Indian war break out ? Who commenced 
hostilities? What fort did they capture ? Who marched against 
them ? 

23. Where was a fleet equipped ? Wlio was the commander, 
and what did his fleet consist of? Who commanded the British 
fleet? Of what did it consist? When did the two fleets meet? 
Describe the engagement to the time Perry went on board the 
Niagara. 

24. What was done by the Niagara? How long did the battle 
last ? What did Commodore Perry do after the battle ? 

25. When and where did Harrison overtake Proctor's main 
army ? By whom were his regulars supported ? By whom were 
they attacked ? What is said of Proctor? Tecumseh ? Who was 
severely wounded ? What is said of General Cass ? Generai 
Harrison ? 

26. Where did General Jackson go in January, 1814 ? By whom 
was he attacked ? To what fort did he fall back ? ^Vfter he received 
reinforcements what did he do ? Where were the enemy posted ? 
How long did the battle continue, and with what result ? 

27. Who commanded the Essex ? What is said of her cruise ? 
Where and by what two vessels was she attacked? What was 
Porter obliged to do ? When and by whom was the Frolic cap- 
lured? What prize was taken by the Peacock? Who commanded 
the Peacock, and where did he carry his prize ? 

28. By whom was Canada invaded? By whom was he assisted 'r 
When and where did they cross the Niagara River ? What fort 
was captured ? What did General Scott do July 4th ? 

29. What did the British do on the 5th of July ? By whom 



MADISOiN's ADMINISTRATI01!i. 177 

were the British driTen back ? What is said of Scott's brigade ? 
Of Major Jessup ? Of General Scott ? 

30. What did General Riall do after the battle of Chippewa ? 
Who was sent against the enemy on the 25th of Julj ? Where did 
he encounter the whole army ? 

31. What did Scott do ? When did the battle commence, and 
how long did it continue ? What did General Brown direct Gene- 
ral Ripley to do ? W^ho captured the enemy's battery ? How was 
the battle closed ? Who were taken prisoners ? 

32. What happened to General Scott ? General Brown ? To 
wiiat post did General Brown fall back ? By whom was he be- 
sieged ? What disaster befell the enemy ? 

33. Who commanded a British fleet in Chesapeake Bay ? Who 
commanded the land forces ? When and where did they disem- 
bark ? What did Commodore Barney do ? 

34. What did General Winder do ? Describe the battle. W^iat 
city was taken the same day ? What was ordered by the Secretary 
of the Navy ? What did the British burn ? When did they leave 
the city ? What was done at Alexandria ? 

35. What vessel was captm*ed by the Wasp? Where was the 
Wasp last seen? After her loss what is said of the American 
flag ? 

36. To what place was General Izard sent ? Who advanced 
against Plattsburg ? Where was General Macomb ? What squad- 
ron anchored in the bay? What did it consist of? Who com- 
manded the British fleet, and what was its force ? 

37. When did the battle commence between the fleets ? De 
scribe the battle. W^hat was done on shore ? 

38. W'hen and where did General Ross land with an army ? To 
whom had the defence of the city been intrusted ? What generals 
commanded the divisions, and who had the chief command ? Who 
was killed in a skirmish? On whom did the command of the 
British army devolve? What fort was bombarded? What did 
the British do that night? 

39. What did General Brown do at Fort Erie? What did the 
British do soon after? Who was wounded in the sally at Fort 
Erie? What is said of General Drunimond ? General Izard? 
Fort Erie ? 

IG 



1<8 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

40. Why did General Jackson enter Pensacola with an army ? 
Wlieie did a British army land on the 21st of December? "When 
and where did engagements take place? 

41. When did the Hartford Convention meet, and of what was 
it composed? What did they propose? What did they send 
messengers to request of government ? Who died in November ? 

42. When did the battle of New Orleans occur, and who were 
the commanders? Describe the battle? Who were killed? 

43. On whom did the command of the Britisli army nov.'^ devolve? 
Who commanded on the opposite side of the river? What did 
Lambert do ? 

44. What is said of the frigate Constitution ? Of Commodore 
Decatur ? Of the capture of the President ? 

45. To what was the public attention called ? When did the 
mtelligence cf peace arrive ? When and where was the treaty 
?igned ? When was it ratified by the Senate ? 

46. What three naval engagements took place after the conclu- 
sion of peace ? Name the American commanders ? 

47. W\iat was done by the Dey of Algiers? Who commanded 
(he flee*, sent against him ? What took place on the 30th of June? 

48. What bill was passed by Congress? Where was the Bank 
locatt^d ? When was Indiana admitted into the Union .' Wliere 
Wig i\c first settlement made ? What was done in 1763 ? In 18'U ? 
vviio Fas ^leofed President? Vice-President? 



181T, 



Monroe's administration. 170 



JAMES MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Soon after Mr. Monroe's inauguration he set 
out on a tour through the Middle and Easterii 
States. Party spirit had abated much of its virulence, and 
the President was everywhere received with the honor and 
respect due the head of a great and enlightened nation. 
At the next session of Congress Mississippi was acknow- 
ledged as an independent state, and admitted into the 
Union (December 10th). The first settlement was made in 
1G99, at the head of the Bay of Biloxi, by the French, who 
built a fort, and continued to occupy it as a settlement till 
1702, when they removed to Mobile. In 1702 a bluff on 
the Mississippi River was selected as the site for a town, 
and named Pvosalie, in honor of the Countess of Pontchar- 
train. This was settled by the French in 1716, and is now 
the flourishing city of Natchez. 

2. In the latter part of this year a new Indian war broke 
out on the southern frontier. Great complaint had been 
made by the people of Georgia of depredations by the Semi- 
noles and refugee Creeks residing south of Flint River, 
and in Florida, then a Spanish province. General Gaines, 
commanding at Fort Scott, by orders from the War Depart- 
ment to expel them from the district north of Florida, 
marched against them, and two skirmishes ensued. A 
boat coming up the Apalachicola was soon after attacked 
by the Indians, and forty out of fifty persons were killed. 

3. General Jackson now received orders to march 
1 s i 8« 

against the Indians, which he did, with a large 



force, and destroyed the Seminole villages in the neighl}or- 



180 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1818 



hood of the present town of Tallahassee. The Ame- 
rican general then marched against the Spanish 
fort at St. Marks, and demanded its surrender. Two 
British subjects, Arbuthnot and Ambrister, tried before a 
court-martial on a charge of inciting the Indians to make 
war with the United States, and furnishing means to cairy 
it on, were found guilty and put to death. General Jack- 
son now marched against Pensacola, which capitulated with- 
out resistance. These captures were justified on a plea that 
the Spaniards were aiding and encouraging the Seminoles 
in their outrages. 

4. In December Illinois was admitted into the Union. 
The first settlement in this state was made by the French, 
at Kaskaskia, and was at first the seat of a Jesuit mission. 
*" It is the oldest European settlement in the valley of the 
Mississippi/' and the date of its settlement is probably 
about the year 168G. It was a part of Indiana until 1809, 
when a distinct territorial government was organized for 

it. The commissioners under the treaty of Ghent 
1819. . -^ 

now agreed on the forty-ninth parallel of latitude 

from the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains, as 
the boundary between British America and the United 
States, and the right of American citizens to fish in certain 
portions of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Alabama was now 
admitted into the Union. The first settlement in this state 
was made by the French, at Mobile, in 1702. In 1800 it 
formed part of the Mississippi Territory, and in 1817, on 
the separation of Mississippi, it became the territory of Ala- 
bama, until its admission as a state. 

5. In March, Maine, which had been a district 
belonging to Massachusetts, became an independent 

* Bancroft, Vol. Ill, p. 195. 



Monroe's administration. 181 

state, and was admitted into the Union. The firsi 

settlement in Maine was made by the French, in 
1613, on Mount Desert Island, and broken up by x\rgall. 
The Plymouth company made an unsuccessful attempt to 
plant a colony, but no permanent settlement was effected 
until 1625, when the huts of fishermen were scattered along 
the seacoast. Among the earliest towns were Saco, York, 
and Cape Porpoise. In 1652 the people of Maine placed 
tliemselves under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, and re- 
mained so until the adoption of a State Constitution, and 
admission into the Union as a sovereign state. 

6. On the proposal to admit Missouri into the 

Union, a violent debate arose as to whether it 
rihould be admitted as a slave state. It was finally admitted 
as a slave state, with the proviso that in ail other territory 
west of the Mississippi and north of thirty-six degrees 
thirty minutes north latitude, slavery should be prohibited. 
This is what is called the " Missouri Compromise." The 
first permanent settlement was made by the French, at 
St Genevieve, in 1663. 

7. On the 5th of March Mr. Monroe entered on the 
second term of office. Mr. Tompkins had also been re- 
elected Vice-President. A treaty between Spain and the 
United States, ratified this year, ceded East and West 
Florida, with all the adjacent islands, to the United States, 
in extinction of the various American claims, to satisfy 
which the American government agreed to pay the claim- 
ants five millions of dollars. General Jackson, as commis- 
sioner of the TTnited States, took formal possession of th^ 
territory in July, and a territorial government was estab- 
lished in 1822. 

8. During this year an expedition was sent 

against the numerous piratical vessels which in- 
16^ 



182 EISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

fested the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. 

Captain x\llen, a brave officer, being killed while in 
tlie discharge of his duty, it was determined by Congress that 
a squadron, under Commodore Porter, should be sent to the 
haunts of the pirates. The object of the expedition was 
completely successful ; the haunts of the pirates were broken 
up, and their vessels captured and destroyed. 

9. The visit of that brave Revolutionary officer 
General La Fayette, to the United States, occ;i- 

sioned general rejoicing. He remained upwards of a yeai 
in the country, during which time he travelled more than 
five thousand miles, and visited every state in the Union. 
He was everywhere received with the greatest respect and 
aifection ; and triumphal arches, illuminations, processions, 
and other tokens of the people's joy, proclaimed his wel- 
come to the land he had assisted to liberate, to which he 
now came, " The Nation's Guest." 

10. At the presidential election four persons 
were supported as candidates, but no one had a 

majority of the whole number of electors. General Jack- 
son received ninety-nine votes, Mr. Adams eighty-four, Mr. 
Crawford forty-one, and Mr. Clay thirty-seven. In the 
House of Representatives, who, by the Constitution, select 
one from the three highest on the hst, Mr. Adams received 
the votes of thirteen states, General Jackson seven states, 
and Mr. Crawford four states. Mr. Adams was, therefore, 
elected President. John C. Calhoun, of South Carolina, 
was elected Vice-President. 

Questions on James Monroe's Administration. — 1. What did the 
President do soon after his inauguration ? When was Mississ!|^p 
admitted into the Union? When and where was the first settle- 
ment made? Where did the settlers remove in 1702? What town 
was settled in 1726? 



Monroe's ADiiiNisxRATioN. 183 

2. What war broke out iu 1817? What orders were given to 
(Jeneral Gaines? 

3. What did General Jackson do ? Why did he invade Florida? 
Who was put to death, and why? 

4. When was Illinois admitted into the Union ? W^here was the 
first settlement made, and when? Of what state was Illinois a 
part ? What boundary was agreed upon ? When was Alabama 
admitted into the Union ? When and where was the first settle- 
ment made ? What did it form in 1800 ? In 1817 ? 

5. When was Maine admitted into the Union ? When and where 
was the first settlement made? What were the first settled towns? 
Wliat was done in 1652 ? 

6. What were the provisions of the Missouri Compromise ? 
V/hen was Missouri admitted? V/hen and where was the first 
pei'manent settlement ? 

7. What occurred on the 5th of March ? What was ceded by the 
treaty between Spain and the United States? What sum was ap- 
propriated to pay claims against Spain ? Who took formal pos- 
session of the territory ? 

8. What expedition was sent out ? W' ho was killed ? What is 
said of Commodore Porter's expedition ? 

9. Give an account of General La Fayette's reception. 

10. State the result of the presidential election by the electors. 
In the House of Representatives. Who was elected Vies Presi- 
deut? 



184 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



JOHN QUINCY ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION. 



1835, 



1. General La Fayette, on returning from his tuur 
through the different sections of the Union, became 
a guest at the presidential mansion. He left Washington 
in September, and returned to France in the frigate Bran- 
dywine. At the previous session of Congress, in "• con- 
sideration of his very importiint .services, his sacrifices and 
losses," it was voted that two hundred thousand dollars in 
money, and a township of land, should be granted him 
This measure was passed by a large majority of both house*, 
and approved by the President (Mr. Monroe). 



iniWJ' 



f^v?t\.v\-< Ifl^j 



1 I 




I^ FAYETTE, THE NATION'S GUEsT. 



2. The fiftieth anniversary of American inde- 
pendence found the country at peace with all the 
world, and the nation in the full career of prosperity. The 
territory of the United States had been enlarged. From 



J. Q. ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. 185 

thirteen feeble states, they had increased in number 

to twenty-four powerful ones ; from tbree millions 
to ten millions of people; the Mississippi had long since 
ceased to be the western boundary, and the country now 
extended to the Pacific Ocean. 

3. The day was celebrated as the national anniversary, 
but it was marked by a wonderful coincidence. *0n that 
day two of the three surviviDg signers of the Declaration 
died. One penned the instrument, and the other sustained 
it in debate. Both had taken active parts in public affairs, 
and both had filled the highest ofiice in the gift of the 
people. Mr, Adams died at Quincy, Massachusetts, in the 
ninety-first year of his age, and Mr. Jefferson, at Monti- 
cello, Virginia, in his eighty-fourth year. 

4. The administration of Mr. Adams was not 

disturbed by foreign wars or domestic insurrec- 
tions. The arts of peace flourished, and internal improve- 
ments received a large share of public attention. This 
year is celebrated for the completion of the first railroad in 
the United States, a mode of travelling which connects 
distant states by diminishing the time formerly spent in 
travel. Party spirit was active and bitter. During Mr. 
Monroe's term of office it had subsided, but it now revived 

with the utmost vindictiveness. At the ensuing 

1 8S 8. 

election the result was largely in favor of General 
Jackson, who was elected President, and John C. Calhoun 
was re-elected Vice-President. 

Questions on John Quincy Adams'* Administration. — 1. Who be- 
came the guest of the President ? When and in what vessel did 

* Charles Carroll, of CaiTollton, Maryland, the last surviving 
signer, died in 1832, aged ninety-five years. 



186 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

he leave Wasliinglon ? Recite the section of an act passed by 
Congress at the previous session. 

2. What is said of the condition of the country at the fifiiciu 
anniversary of Independence ? 

3. What deaths occurred on the 4th of July ? What is said of 
Jefferson? Adams ? What is said in the note, of Charlas Carroll ? 

4. What is said of party spirit? Who was elected President? 
Vice-President? 



ANDREW JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. General Jackson entered on his first term of 
service under favorable circumstances. Universal 

peace and national prosperity combined to make his admin- 
istration an era of ease and happiness. But this state of 
peace was of short continuance. Party spirit increased in 
violence, in consequence of his numerous removals from 
office ; the renewal of Indian wars, and resistance to con- 
gressional enactments by a portion of the coufederacy. 
made the President's position one of care, of turmoil, and 
excitement. 

2. James Monroe, the fifth President of the 

1S31. 

United States, died on the 4th of July, 188], 
being the third ex-president who had yielded up his life 
on the national anniversary. Mr. Monroe had, like his 
predecessors, filled many important stations, He joined 
the Revolutionary army at an early period of the war, anc 
was wounded at the battle of Princeton. He was succe* 
sively member of Congress, senator, governor of Virginia, 
minister to France and Great Britain, Secretary of State, 
and President. 

a ibtat 



Jackson's administration. 187 

3. A war broke out this year with the Indian 
tribes of Sacs, Foxes, and Wiunebagoes, led by 
the celebrated chief Black Hawk. These tribes had ceded 
their lands on the east of the Mississippi, and agreed to 
remove to the west of that river. But having violated the 
treaty, a body of troops was sent against them. After a 
succession of skirmisheSj they were finally defeated and 
dispersed on the banks of the Mississippi by General 
Atkinson, and Black Hawk was taken prisoner. As the 
government apprehended a general Indian war, General 
Scott was ordered to proceed to the scene of action, and 
take command of the forces. 

4. In the beginning of July he embarked at Buffalo, 
with nearly one thousand troops, few of whom, however, 
ever reached the battle-field. A mightier destroyer than 
war arrested their course, and filled their ranks with disease 
and death. This was that terrible pestilence, the Asiatic 
Cholera. Of nine hundred and fifty men who left Buffalo, 
but four hundred survived. Scott paid every attention to 
the sick and suffering, and, as soon as he could be released, 
hastened to join General Atkinson at Prairie du Chien. 
He came in soon after the battle, and remained until 
treaties were made with the Indian tribes. The one with 
the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a large tract, 
constituting the greater part of the present state of Iowa. 
The Winnebagoes ceded nearly five millions of acres, com- 
prehending a valuable part of Wisconsin. 

5. In Congress a bill was brought forward to recharter 
the United States Bank, which passed both houses, but was 
vetoed by the President. A tariff bill, imposing additional 
duties on foreign commodities, caused great excitement in 
South Carohna. A state convention declared the tariff acts 
anconstitutional, and therefore null and void, and that the 



188 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

duties should not be paid. This measure is known 

1832. ' 

by the name of Nullification, and was met by a 
proclamation from the President, in which he warned the 
nullifiers of the consequences of opposition to the general 
government, and declared his intention to execute the laws. 
The difficulty was removed by the adoption of a " Compromise 
Bill,'' which provided for a gradual reduction of the duties 
which had operated so injuriously to the Southern States, 
(reneral Jackson was elected President for a second term, 
and Martin Van Buren Vice-President. 

6. Great excitement was now created by the 

1833. . "^ 

removal of the government deposites from the Bank 
of the United States, and their transfer to certain state 
banks. The President, in his annual message, stated that 
the claims due and acknowledged by the French government 
remained unpaid, though measures had been taken to press 
the claim on the part of the American government. 

7. No attention having been given by the French 
government to the claims due to the United States, 

the President recommended vigorous measures to compel 
payment. All diplomatic intercourse was suspended, and it 
was feared that a war would ensue between the two countries. 
But an amicable arrangement was efiected soon afterwards, 
and the amount due, five millions of dollars, has since been 
paid. 

8. This year is celebrated for the most formidable and 
obstinately contested Indian war in which the United States 
ever engaged. It w^as the Seminole war in Florida. It 
commenced by the murder of planters, the ravage of their 
plantations, and the burning of their houses. Osceola, one 
of the principal chiefs of the Seminoles, was the chief 
instigator of the war. He was a bold, daring, and fero- 
cious warrior, and a vindictive enemy of the Americans. 



Jackson's administration. i89 

On the 28th of December, Major Dcade, who was 
1835. . . 5 J 

marching to relieve the post of Fort King, was 

suddenly attacked, and himself and whole company, con- 
sisting of one hundred and twelve men, massacred. I'hree 
only of the company escaped, severely wounded. Mean- 
while, a detachment of Florida volunteers having joined 
the regulars, General Clinch crossed the Withlacoochee 
River, and was fiercely assailed by Osceola and his numer- 
ous warriors. Their attack was gallantly repelled by the 
Americans. The battle took place December 31st. 

9. General Scott was now sent to Florida to 

1836. 

take command of the troops. On the 29th of 
February, General Gaines encountered the Seminoles, wheQ 
an indecisive battle took place. General kScott marched 
through Florida, without meeting any large body of the 
enemy. They were concealed in thickets and swamps 
inaccessible to regular troops. The Treasury Department 
issued what is called a " Specie Circular," requiring gold 
and silver coin in payment for public lands. The national 
debt having been paid off and extinguished, upwards of 
thirty-seven millions had accumulated in the Treasury. 
Congress passed a " Distribution Act," dividing the surplus 
revenue among the different states, in proportion to tli^e 
respective population of each. 

10. During this year, Arkansas was admitted into the 
Union. The first settlement in this state was made ai 
A.rkansas Post, on the Arkansas River, in 1685. This state 
tormed a part of Louisiana at the time of its cession to the 
United States. In 1812 it constituted part of the Territory 
df Missouri, and remained so till 1819, when a distinct terri- 
torial government was framed, and it was then called Ar- 
kansas. James Madison, the fourth President of the United 
States died this year, at the advanced age of eighty-five. 
17 



190 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

11. Michisran was admitted as a state durino; the 

1 SST • 

montli of January. This state was first settled by 
Jesuit missionaries, at the Sault St. Marie, in 1668. Other 
settlements were made, but the first permanent settlement 
was that made at Detroit, by De la Motte Cadillac, a Jesuit 
missionary, and a French colony in June, 1701. Michigan 
formed part of the North- West Territory. In 1805 it was 
erected into a territorial government. Martin Van Buren, 
of New York, was elected President, and Richard M. 
Johnson, of Kentucky, Vice-President. 

Questions on Andrew Jackson^ s Administration. — 1. What circura- 
Rtances combined to make the President's positioi^one of excite- 
ment? 

2. What is said of James Monroe ? Where and when was he 
wounded in battle ? What offices had he filled ? 

3. What war broke out in 1832 ? Where were the Indians 
defeated, and who was taken prisoner? Who was now sent to 
take command of the troops ? 

4. What did General Scott do in the beginning of July ? What 
prevented the troops from reaching the seat of war ? How many 
died of the cholera? What did General Scott do? What land 
was ceded to the United States by the Sac and Fox tribes of 
Indians ? The Winnebagoes ? 

5. What is said of the recharter of the United States Bank ? 
What declaration was made by a convention in South Carolina ? 
What did the President declare in his proclamation ? How was 
the difficulty removed ? Who were elected President and Vice- 
President ? 

6. What caused great excitement ? To what did the President 
call the attention of Congress ? 

7. Why did the President recommend vigorous measures towards 
France ? How was the difficulty settled ? 

8. How did the Seminole War commence ? What was the 
character of Osceola ? W^hat occurred on the 28th of December ? 
Describe the battle of December 31st. 

9. Who was sent in 1836 to take command in Florida? What 



VAN buren's administration 101 

is said of General Gaines? What was required by the "Specie 
Circular ?" What is said of the National Debt ? The Distribu- 
tion Act ? 

10. When was Arkansas admitted into the Union? When wag 
the first settlement made? What did this state form part of? 
lu 1812? In 1819? When and at what age did James Madisoa 
die? 

11. When was Michigan admitted as a state ? Wlien, by whom, 
and where, was it first settled? When and by whom was Detroit 
settled? What did Michigan form a part of? Who was elected 
President ? Vice-President ? 



183T. 



MARTIN VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Soon after the accession of Mr. Van Buren, 
a commercial crisis took place. All the banks 
suspended specie payments in May, and the government 
itself was seriously embarrassed, and could not discharge its 
own pecuniary obligations. An extra session of Congress 
was convened early in September, and passed several bills 
for the relief of government, the most important of which, 
was one for the issue of treasury notes, not to exceed ten 
millions of dollars. 

2. The Seminole War in Florida was still carried on. 
During the mouth of March, a number of chiefs came to 
General Jessup's camp, and signed a treaty, by which ic 
was stipulated that the Indians should remove beyond the 
Mississippi. This treaty was soon violated, and the Indians 
renewed their devastations. In October, Osceola, who can^e 
to the American camp under a flag of truce, was seized by 
order of General Jessup, and placed in confinement. He 
wivi afterwards removed to Fort Moultrie, where he died. 



102 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

3. On the 25tli of December, a severe battle 

1837. ' 

was fought at Lake Okeechobee, in which the 
Indians were defeated. Colonel Zachary Taylor commanded 
the Americans in this engagement. An insurrection broke 
out in Canada this year, which threatened to involve tlw3 
T"^nited States in war with Glreat Britain. Many American 
citizens on the frontier sympathized with the Canadians in 
their opposition to government, and furnished them with 
arms and other munitions of war. A steamboat called the 
Caroline, plying between Schlosser, on the American side, 
and Navy Island, belonging to the British, where the in- 
surgents had co-llected, was seized by the British while 
lying at Schlosser, set on lire, and sent over the cataract 
(December 29th). 

4. This event occasioned great excitement throughout 

the country, and the o-evernment sent Geoeral 

1S38. •^' ^. 

Scott to enforce neutrality, and t-o call out the 
militia, if necessary, for the defence of the frontier. The 
President issued his proclamation, requiring all Americans 
to desist from their efforts in behalf of the Canadians, and 
declaring that they forfeited the protection of the laws by 
the invasion of Canada. Finally the British colonial go- 
vernment captured or dispersed the insurgents, and this 
put an end to the excitement on the frontier. 

5. During the session of Congress, the Sub- 

184:0. 

Treasury Bill became a law, and an appropriation 
was made towards the survey of the disputed boundary line 
between Maine and the British province of New Brunswit^k. 
At the presidential election, William Henry Harrison, of 
Ohio, was chosen President, and John Tyler, of Virginia, 
Vice-President. 

Questions on MarHn Van JSuren's Administration. — 1. Wbat im- 
portant act was passed at an exti-a meeting of Congress? 



Tyler's administration. 



193 



2. What did the Seminole chiefs do in March? What is said 

^>t" the treaty ? Of Osceola ? 

3 What is said of the battle of December 25th? Who was com- 
mander of the American forces? What circumstance threatened 
war between Great Britain and the United States ? What is said 
of the steamboat Caroline ? ^ 

4. Why did the government send General Scott to the frontier . 
What was required by the President's proclamation ? ^ ^ 

5 What act was passed? What appropriation was maae . 
Who were elected President and Vice-President ? 



IIARPvISON'S AND TYLER'S ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1. General Harrison took the oatli of office on 
^^*^' the 4th of March, in the presence of a large as- 
semblage. He soon after issued a proclamation for a session 
of Con-ress, to commence on the 31st of May. But he 
never Uved to see it assemble, nor to carry out the measures 
of his government. One .m^-nth after his inauguration he 
died, expressing with his last breath an ardent wish that 
his principles of government should be carried out by his 

successor. 

2 On the death of General Harrison Mr. Tyler became 
the acting President. On the 5th of April he took the 
oath of office, and entered on 1.he discharge of his duties. 
The extra session of Congress commenced on the 31st of 
May, and several important measures were brought forward 
The 'sub-treasury was repealed, a general bankrupt law 
passed, and bills for establishing a Bank of the United 
States were also passed by both houses, but vetoed by the 

President. 

8. The controversy which had for a long time 
*^^^' existed between the United States and Great 



194 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

I S42 I^J^'it^ain, respecting the nortli-eastern boundary, was 
put at rest during this year, by a treaty agreed 
upon by the American and English commissioners, Daniel 
Webster and Lord Ashburton. The Americans claimed^ 
according to the treaty of 1783, the boundary as extending 
from " a line drawn due north from the source of St. Croix 
River to the high lands, and along the said high lands to 
tlie Connecticut River." The British claimed from a line 
intersecting the state from east to west, and cutting oiF from 
the Americans almost all the tract lying north of the 46tli 
parallel of north latitude. By mutual concessions agreed 
upon, a new line was run, which is now satisfactory to both 
nations. 

4. In Rhode Island some difficulties occurred of so serious 
a character that it was feared they would lead to civil war. 
The old charter, granted by Charles II., in 1663, was in 
full force, the government of the state being administered 
under it. A number of citizens wished to abrogate the 
charter and adopt a state constitution. Under the name of 
the " Suffrage Party," they adopted a new constitution, 
chose a governor, and elected a legislature. The majority, 
called the ^' Law and Order Party," opposed this movement, 
insisted that any change in the fundamental charter of the 
state must be made by the full concurrence of a majority 
of the people, and denounced the suffrage party as guilty 
of high treason. Government sent troops to preserve the 
peace, and the suffrage party abandoned the contest. A 
new constitution has since then been adopted. 

5. The President was suddenly deprived of two 

members of his cabinet by a dreadful catastrophe. 

This occurred on board the government vessel, Princeton, 

while on an excursion down the Potomac. The President 

and a number of distinguished persons were on board 



Tyler's administration. 195 

Duviug the trial of a large cannon, which had 
received the name of the '^ Peacemaker," it burst, 
and instantly killed Mr. Upshur, Secretary of State, and 
Mr. Gilmore, Secretary of the Navy. John C Calhoun, 
of South Carolina, was soon after appointed to supply the 
vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Upshur. 

6. In January a joint resolution for the annexa- 
tion of Texas to the United States was adopted ; 
and in March, Florida was admitted as a state. The earliest 
permanent settlement in this state was made by the Span- 
iards, at St. Augustine, in 1565. Florida continued to be 
a Spanish province till 1763, when it was ceded to the 
British government. In 1783 it reverted to Spain, and 
remained in her possession until its cession to the United 
States. In 1822 it was erected into a territorial govern- 
ment, and so continued until its admission as one of the 
states of the Union. 

Questions on Ilarrison^s and Tyler''s Administrations. — 1. What 
proclamation was issued by President Harrison ? Did he live to 
see it assemble ? When did he die ? What did he express in his 
last moments ? 

2. AVho now became acting; President? Wlien did he take the 
oath of office ? What was done at the session of Congress ? What 
bills were vetoed by the President ? 

3. By whom was a treaty to settle the north-eastern boundary 
agreed upon ? What was claimed by the Americans ? By the 
British ? How was it settled ? 

4. What constitution was still in force in Rhode Island? Whnt 
did the "Suffrage Party" do? The "Law and Order Party"? 
Why did government send troops? What has since been adopted? 

5. Describe the accident on board the Princeton, and state who 
were killed. W^ho was appointed Secretary of State? 

6. V/hat joint resolution was adopted by Congress? When was 
Florida admitted as a state? When and where was the earliest 
settlement made? Give other particulars of its history. 



196 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES. 



JAMES K. rOLK'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1 James K. Polk, of Tennessee, and George M 
Dallas, of Pennsylvania, liaving received a large 
majority of the votes of electors for President and Vice- 
President, entered on the duties of their offices March 4th. 
The republic of Texas accepted the terms of the resolutions 
Adopted by Congress, and, by annexation, became United 
States' territory. As the Mexican government threatened 
an invasion of the territory, General Taylor, with a body 
of forces, was sent into Texas, and Commodore Stockton, 
with a naval squadron, into the Gulf of Mexico, and. diplo- 
matic relations were suspended between the two govern- 
ments. General Jackson, aged seventy-eight, died at his 
■•-esidence, the Hermitage, in June. 

2. In December, Texas, having formed a constitution, was 
admitted as a state into the Union. The country embraced 
within the limits of Texas was claimed by the Spaniards as 
part of Mexico, and by the French as constituting a portion 
of Louisiana. In 1G85 La Salle, with a French colony 
destined for the mouth of the Mississippi, mistook their 
way, and, sailing far past their destination, landed at the 
Bay of Matagorda. Here they established the infant colouy, 
and France never relinquished her claim to Texas whil« 
Louisiana remained in her possession. But La Salie was 
murdered, and the colony broken up by hostile Indians. Li 
1690 the Spanish established a settlement at St. Antonio 
de Bexar, and maintained possession of the territory. 

3. After Mexico had thrown oif the Spanish yoke, the 
government invited and encouraged emigration. Large 
numbers of the citizens of the United States settled in the 



folk's administration. 197 

territory, and petitioned to be received into the 
Mexican Confederacy as a sovereign state. This 
petition was rejected, and such a series of wrongs were per- 
petrated against the colonists of Texas as compelled them 
to take up arms and fight for their lives and liberties. Al 
the battle of San Jacinto the Mexicans were totally routed, 
and General Santa Anna, the Dictator of Mexico, taken 
prisoner. He entered into an agreement of peace, and the 
acknowledgment of the independence of Texas. After his 
restoration to liberty he disavowed all treaties made while 
he was a prisoner, and declared he would sufler a thousand 
deaths, rather than place in jeopardy the integrity of his 
country's territory. 

4. The battle of San Jacinto, however, caused a cessation 
of active hostilities in Texas. In March. 1836, a Declara- 
tion of Independence was adopted, and signed by all her 
delegates in convention. The same year a Constitution was 
adopted, and her independence was acknowledged by the 
United States in 1837, by France in 1839, and by England 
in 1840. Texas continued as a separate independent re- 
public until its annexation to the United States, and its 
admission as one of the states of the Union. 

5. Cono-ress, at this session, established the sub- 

1846. o ' _ ' 

treasury, repealed the tariff hiw of 1842, and sub- 
stituted another with a much lower rate of duties. The 
governments of Great Britain and the United States had 
both claimed the territory of Oregon ; the American claim, 
made by the President, being to tbe latitude of fifty-four 
degrees forty minutes, the British to the Columbia River 
and its head waters. In June the boundary was agreed 
upon by the British and American commissioners, Richard 
Packenham and James Buchanan. The forty-ninth degree 
of north latitude to the Straits of Juan de Fuea, giving to 



198 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the Britisli the undivided territory of Vancouver's 

1846. . . . '^ 

Island, constituted the provisions of the treaty. 

6. Iowa, during the year, was admitted into the Union aft 
an independent state. This territory was first visited by 
the French Jesuits in 1673, but no settlements were made 
by them. The country was included in the purchase of 
Louisiana, but remained in Indian occupancy until 1832, 
when the Indian title was extinguished, and it was ceded 
to the United States. The first settlement was made at 
Burlington, in 1833, by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

T. Early in March, General Taylor moved his army from 
Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande, opposite the city of 
Matamoras, where he built a fort. He had previously 
fortified Point Isabel, and left it garrisoned. The Mexican 
troops now commenced active hostilities. On the 10th of 
April, Colonel Cross was murdered, and, on the 18th, 
Lieutenant Porter, with a small body of men, were taken 
prisoners, and butchered. On the 24th, Captain Thornton, 
with a party of dragoons, consisting of sixty-three men, 
became engaged with a large body of Mexicans, in which 
sixteen were killed and wounded, and the others compelled 
to surrender. 

8. General Arista informed General Taylor that he con- 
sidered hostilities commenced, and that he should prosecute 
them vigorously. General Taylor received information that 
large forces of the Mexicans were crossing the Rio Grande, 
and started with his main force for the protection of Point 
Isabel, leaving Major Brown in command of the fort, then 
in an unfinished condition. Soon after his departure, the 
Mexicans at Matamoras commenced a cannonade on the 
fort, which the garrison returned. During this engagement 
Major Brown was killed, and the post so gallantly defended 
by him was named Fort Brown. 



tolk's administration. 199 

9. On General Taylor's return from Point Isabel 
May Sth, he was met at Palo Alto by the Mexicans, 
drawn up in order of battle. The enemy's force amounted 
to six thousand men, the army of General Taylor to two 
thousand three hundred. The battle lasted five hours, 
when the enemy fell back. The American loss in this 
battle was four men killed, and three officers and thirty-nine 
men wounded. Among the wounded were Major Ringgold 
and Captain Page, who died soon afterwards. 

10. After the battle of Palo Alto, General Arista took a 
strong position at Resaca de la Palma. General Taylor 
resumed his march on the afternoon of the 9th, and in two 
hours came up to the enemy. The action commenced by 
the firing of the Mexican artillery, which was promptly 
returned by Ridgely's battery. As the Mexican battery 
proved to be very destructive, he directed Captain May to 
capture it. This he accomplished; his dragoons cut through 
the enemy, seized the cannon, and captured Geneial La 
Vega. The infantry now charged the Mexican Kne, which 
broke, and the enemy fled with the utmost precipitation. 

11. A message from the President to Congress having 
declared " that by the act of the Republic of Mexico, a war 
existed between that government and the United States." 
that body authorized the President to call into the field 
fifty thousand volunteers, and made an appropriation for 
the purpose of carrying on the war (May loth). Soon 
after the battle of Resaca de la Palma, General Taylor with 
his army crossed the Rio Grande, and took possession of 
Matamoras. The Mexican towns of Reinosa, Meir, Re villa, 
and Camargo, surrendered without resistance. 

12. The general government and the officers of the army 
were now making preparations for carrying the war inio 
the interior of Mexico. General Taylor being reinforced, 



200 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

early in September left Camaroro, and marched 

181-6. . 

against Monterey. On the 19th the army encamped 
near the city, and prepared for an immediate attack. Mon- 
terey was defended by forty pieces of cannon, and more 
than nine thousand troops ; it also possessed strong natural 
defences, and massive fortifications. 

13. It being deemed advisable to gain possession of the 
exterior defences and fortifications of the city, General 
Worth was sent to capture the forts on the Saltillo road 
and the Bishop's Palace. This was successfully accom- 
plished on the 22d, and the town was under the command 
of Worth's artillery. Other divisions of the army, led by 
Generals Butler and Twiggs, made an attack on the opposite 
side of the city, into which they effected an entrance, and 
advanced by burrowing or digging through from house to 
house. On the 24th, General Ampudia offered to capitu- 
late, and terms being agreed upon, the Mexican troops 
evacuated Monterey, and General Taylor took possession 
of it. The battle and capture of Monterey ended the 
campaign of the E,io Grande, in which the American arms 
had been completely successful. 

14. Contemporary with these events is the capture of 
California by Colonel Fremont and Commodores Sloat and 
Stockton, the occupation of New Mexico by General Kear- 
ney, and the surrender of Tampico, Frontiera, and Tabasco 
to Commodore Connor. Colonel Doniphan left Santa F4 
for Chihuahua with eight hundred men. On his way he 
was attacked by a Mexican force at Bracito. A well-direoted 
fire from the Americans put the enemy to flight, and Doni- 
phan pursued his long and wearisome journey, which ended 
by the capture of Chihuahua. 

15. General Taylor remained at Monterey for 
1847. -^ , . . -^ . 

several months after its capture. During this time 



folk's administration. 201 

General Scott had been sent to Mexico, where he 

1847. ' , , 

arrived about the 1st of January, and was joined by 
Generals Pillow, Twiggs, Quitman, and Worth, with detacli- 
nients from General Taylor's army, for the proposed attack on 
Vera Cruz. General Santa Anna, with an army of twenty- 
two thousand men, was at San Luis Potosi, and it was 
supposed from his movements he intended to advance with 
his wiiole army. General Taylor resolved to give him 
battle. For this purpose, leaving fifteen hundred men at 
Monterey, he marched to Saltillo, and on the 4th of February 
encamped at Agua Nueva, where he remained until the 21st. 
]jearning that Santa Anna was advancing against him, he 
withdrew to a strong mountain pass called Buena Vista, 
where, having formed his army in battle array, he awaited 
the approach of the enemy. A summons to surrender was - 
despatched to General Taylor, granting him an hour's time 
for consideration. General Taylor promptly declined ac- 
ceding to the summons, and the following morning the 
battle commenced by an attack on the part of the Mexicans. 
The battle continued through the entire day, and though 
the enemy gained partial successes from their overwhelming 
numbers, they were finally repulsed, and left the field. 
This victory ended the war in the northern part of Mexico. 
16. General Scott effected a landing with his army near 
Vera Cruz, on the 9th of March. The city was iuv-ested, 
batteries erected, and, on the 22d, General Scott summoned 
the governor to surrender. The proposition was rejected, 
and the batteries opened a deadly and destructive fire, 
which continued without intermission until the 26th, when 
the Mexican general made proposals to surrender. Articles 
of capitulation were signed on the following day, and the 
city of Vera Cruz, as well as the strong castle of San Juan 
d'Ulloa, were taker possession of by the American forces. 
18 



202 HISTORY or THE UNITED STATES 

17. Soon after the capture of Vera Cru*, 
Lieutenant Hunter captured Alvarado, on th^ 
Gulf of Mexico, and in April Commodore Perry gained 
possession of Tuspan. General Worth being temporarily 
appointed governor of Vera Cruz, the army on the 8th of 
April commenced its march towards the city of Mexico. 
General Santa Anna, defeated at Buena Vista, had now 
fortified the heights of Cerro Gordo, and, at the head 
of fifteen thousand men, looked down on the advancing 
Americans. 

18. General Scott, who knew that an attack in front 
would be useless, ordered a road to be cut to the left of the 
heights ascending in the rear of the Mexican forts. In the 
night heavy cannon were taken to the heights, and opened 
a destructive fire on the enemy on the morning of the 18th. 
The strong fortress of Cerro Gordo was taken by storm, and 
the Mexicans w^ere totally routed. Santa Anna escaped 
and reached Jalapa, closely pursued by the victorious army. 

19. The following day the Americans entered the town 
of Jalapa, and on the 2 2d they took the fortress of Perote. 
On the 15th of May, La Puebla* was in the occupancy of 
the American army, and became their head-quarters until 
the following August. War and disease had thinned their 
ranks, and it was necessary that the soldiers should have a 
season of rest after their severe labors. Reinforcements 
also were requisite to enable them to complete the work of 
conquest. The government had in the mean time sent an 
agent (Mr. Trist) to make overtures of peace to the Mexican 
government. 

20. General Scott, being reinforced by fresh troops sent 
by way of Vera Cruz, left Puebla early in August on his 

* Puebla de los Angelos, "City of the Angels." 



folk's ADMINISTRATIO.^f. 203 

march towards the capital. The routo led the army 
across the Cordilleras, from whose lofty heights 
they '^^.ked down on the vast plain of Mexico. No enemy 
opposed thv^.ir march until the 19th, when they arrived in 
front of ihe stiong fortress of St. Antonio, with the heights 
c»f Churubusco on the right, covered with cannon, and close 
by the fortified camp of Contreras. 

21. Early on the morning of the 20th, General Smith* 
marched to the attack on Contreras. General Valencia was 
at the head of six thousand Mexicans, and General Santa 
Anna stood ready to support him with a powerful force. 
When the arrangements of the Americans were completed, 
they made an impetuous attack, dashed into the intrench- 
ments, and drove out the enemy, in the short space of 
seventeen minutes. St. Antonio was evacuated shortly 
aft^r this battle. 

22. Churubusco was the next point of attack. This 
consisted of a strong breastwork at the head of a bridge, 
a church strongly fortified, strong military outworks, and a 
powerful army, commanded personally by Santa Anna. 
The battle commenced early in the afternoon, and continued 
with unabated fury for three hours, when Santa Anna 
abandoned the field, and with his army fled to the capital. 

23. The day succeeding these fiercely-contended battles, 
propositions were made by Santa Anna for an armistice. 
This was mutually agreed upon, but its provisions were 
shamefully violated by the Mexican general. On the 7th 
of September, General Scott declared the armistice to be at 
an end, and hostiUties again commenced. On the 8th, an 
attack was made by General Worth on El Moliuos del 
Key (the King's Mills). The troops were at first repulsed. 

* General Persifer F. Smith, of Louisiana. 



204 



HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



but return in 2: to the charc-e they fousrht despe 

1847. ^ & ^.T q f 

rately for an hour, when the Mexicans were totally 
routed. 

24. On the 12th, Chapul tepee was attacked by a heavy 
cannonade and bombardment. On the loth, the besiegers 
commenced a furious asssault, which resulted in the capture 
of the castle, and the pursuit of the flying enemy to tlie 
very gates of Mexico. Santa Anna and the officers of 
government fied that night, and the next day (Septem- 
ber 11th) General Scott directed Generals Worth and 
Quitman to enter the city, and plant the American flag 



-^-.^imtM-^^ 




GENERAL SCOTT'S ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 



on the summit of the National Palace. General Scott then 
with the main body of the army made his triumphal but 
peaceful entry into the heart of that capital so renowned m 
American, Spanish, and Mexican history, 

25. The occupation of the capital, and the flight of Santa 
Anna, put an end to the Mexican War; for although some 



polk's administration. 205 

unimportant skirmishes occurred soon after, and 

J 847 , , 

an i»«nrrection broke out in the city, the Mexiciuis 
were not able to oppose an effectual resistance to the vic- 
torious Americans. On the 2d of February, 1848, 

1848. •'' 

a treaty of peace was signed by Mr, Trist, on the 
]mrt of the United States, and commissioners appointed b}' 
the Mexican Congress. This treaty, with some modifica- 
tions, was adopted by both governments, and on the 19th 
of June the proclamation of the President announced tb t 
peace existed between Mexico and the United States. 

26. By this treaty, New Mexico and California we e 
transferred to the United States. All captured posts wei s 
to be given up, and fifteen millions of dollars were to hi 
paid to the Mexican government for the ceded territory . 
On the 12th of June, our army left the city of Mexicc , 
and soon aft^r, all the posts which had been held by th^ 
American soldiery were evacuated. The discovery of gold 
in California led to an immense emigration to that distant 
region and its settlement as a territory by adventurers from 
the Atlantic and Western States. John Quincy Adams 
was stricken down with illness in the House of Representa- 
tives, and died the following day. 

27. During this year, Wisconsin was admitted as a state 
into the Union, being the thirtieth in number. Wisconsin 
was first settled by the French at Green Bay in 1(390. 
Oregon and Minnesota were erected into territorial govern- 
ments soon after the admission of Wisconsin. The presi- 
dential election resulted in the election of Zachary Taylor 
for President. Millard Fillmore was elected Vice-Presi- 
dent, and Mr. Polk's administration terminated on the 3d 

of March, 1849. He retired to his residence, 

184:9. 

where he died on the 15th of June. 
18^- 



2')6 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES'. 

Questions on James K. PoWs Administration. — 1. Who had been 
elected President and Vice-President ? What is said of Texas ? What, 
did Mexico threaten? Where was General Taylor sent? Commodore 
Stockton ? In what year and where did General Jackson die ? 

2. When was Texas admitted as a state? By what nations had 
Toxas been claimed ? When and by whom was Texas first settled ? 
Where and by whom was a settlement made in 1G90? 

3. Give an account of the settlement of Texas by citizens of tJio 
United States. Battle of San Jacinto. 

4. Give a further account of the history of Texas. 

5. What was done by Congress in 1846? How far to the north 
did the President claim Oregon ? How far south was it claimed 
by the British? How was it settled by the commissioners? 

6. When was Iowa admitted ? When and by whom was the 
country first visited ? W^hen, where, and by whom was the first 
settlement made ? 

7. What movement was made by General Taylor in Marca ? 
What place had been previously fortified ? What did the Mexican 
troops do ? Give the particulars. • 

8. What did General Taylor now do ? In whose charge did he 
leave the fort? What was done by the Mexicans at Matamoras ? 
Who was killed in this engagement ? 

9. On General Taylor's return from Point Isabel, where was a 
Mexican force drawn up to oppose him ? What was the number of 
the respective armies? Describe the battle, and the American loss. 

10. What did General Arista do after the battle? Describe the 
battle of Resaca de la Palma. Who was captured ? What is said 
of the Mexican line ? 

11. What communication did the President make to Congress? 
What did Congress do? What did General Taylor do after the 
battle of Resaca de la Palma ? AVhat Mexican towns surrendered ? 

12. What did General Taylor do in September? How was 
Monterey defended ? 

13. What was General Worth directed to do? Who attacked 
the opposite side of the city? What did General Ampudia then 
propose ? What did this battle put an end to ? 

14. By whom was California captured? New Mexico? What 
places were taken by Commodore Connor? Describe the expe- 
dition of Colonel Doniphan. 



folk's administration. 207 

15. When did General Scott arrive in Mexico? By whom was 
ho joined? Where was General Santa Anna ? What did General 
Taylor now do ? At what place did he await the enemy ? Desci'ibo 
the battle of Buena Vista. What did this victory put an end to ? 

16. When did General Scott land near Vera Cruz ? When did 
the attack on the city commence ? What proposal was made by 
the Mexican general ? What was surrendered ? 

17. What ports were captured by Lieutenant Hunter? By 
Commodore Perry? When did the army march towards the city 
of Mexico ? What did General Santa Anna do ? 

18. What was ordered by General Scott? What was done in 
the night? On the 18th of April? Give the result of the battle 
of Cerro Gordo. To what place did Santa Anna escape ? 

19. What did the Americans do on the lOth? On the 22d ? 
What became the head-quarters of the army ? Who had been sent 
by the government to make overtures of peace ? 

20. When did General Scott leave Puebla? Describe the route 
Near to what fortified places did the army arrive on the 19th of 
August ? 

21. Describe the attack on Contreras. Name the generals en- 
gaged. What is said of St. Antonio ? 

22. Of what did Churubusco consist ? Name the other defences. 
Describe the battle. What is said of Santa Anna ? 

23. What was agreed upon the day after the battle ? What wa8 
declared by General Scott on the 7th of September ? What took 
place on the 8th ? Describe the battle. 

24. What place was attacked on the 12th? Describe the battle 
of Chapultepec. What was done by Santa Anna and the officers 
of government ? Who were sent by General Scott to take possession 
of the city? What did General Scott do on the 15th of September? 

25. When was a treaty of peace signed by commissioners ? 
When was peace proclaimed ? 

26. State the conditions of the treaty. When did the American 
army leave Mexico ? What led to the settlement of California ? 

27. When was Wisconsin admitted as a state ? When and by 
whom was Wisconsin settled ? What wore erected into territorial 
governments? Who were elected President and Vice President? 
When did Mr. Polk's administration terminate ? When did he die 7 



208 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 



TAYLOR'S AND FILLBiORE'S ADMINISTRATIONS. 

1. On the 5th of March, President Taylor entered 

1849. *^ . . 

on the duties of his oifice. The absorbing topic 
which occupied the attention of citizens at the time was the 
gold found in immense quantities in California, and a con- 
tinued tide of emigration was pouring to the golden region, 
A convention of delegates assembled at Monterey on the 
1st of September, and adopted a state constitution, which 
excluded slavery. This constitution was kid bef»>re 
Congress at its next session, and produced great 
excitement in the discussions which followed. The article 
relating to slavery engendered the strongest sectional feel- 
ings, and many predicted the dissolution of the Union. 

2. In the midst of the tumult Mr. Clay, the distinguished 
Senator from Kentucky, suggested a plan of compromise. 
The whole matter was referred to a committee who reported 
a bill containing a number of provisions. It was discussed 
for four months in Congress, and its respective measures 
separately considered and adopted. The measures recom- 
mended were, 1st. That California should be admitted into 
the Union as a free state, having its territorial extent from 
Oregon to the Mexican possessions ; 2d. That the country 
east of California, containing the Mormon settlements near 
the Great Salt Lake, should be erected into a territory called 
Utah, without mention of slavery ; 3d. That New Mexico 
should be erected into a territory without any stipulations 
respecting slavery, and that ten millions of dollars should 
be paid to Texas from the Federal treasury, in purchase of 
her claims ', 4th. That the slave trade in the District of 
Columbia should be abolished ; 5th. That an efficient law 



Fillmore's administration. 209 

should be passed for the arrest and return of fuoi- 

1850. . , ^ 
tive slaves, 

3. While these measures were under discussion, a deep 

and sorrowful sensation was produced throughout the nation 

b}' the death of the President, after a short illness. His 

death took place on the 9th of July, and, agreeably to th« 

Constitution, Millard Fillmore took the oath of office on the 

day following, and became President of the United States. 

The compromise measures, which had been so long und^r 

discussion, were adopted ; among which was the admission 

of California as the thirty-first state of the Union. Its 

settlement and growth has been rapid beyond a precedent, 

and it gives to the Union an empire on the shores of the 

Pacific. California was first settled at Los Augelos, by the 

Spaniards, in 1769. 

4. In the autumn of 1851 twenty-one millions of 

1851. . 

acres were purchased by the United States govern- 
ment from the Indian tribes of Minnesota. Another tract 
was soon after purchased from the Snow Sioux, and the pay- 
ments for Indian lands amounted to three millions of dol- 
lars. Much interest was manifested by the visit of Lewis 
Kossuth, the exiled governor of Hungary. He arrived in 
New York on the 4th of December, and was received with 
the highest marks of respect by the public authorities of 
all our principal cities. He wished to enlist the aid and 
sympathy of our government for his downtrodden country, 
but the policy always pursued here forbade any interference 
in the public affairs of foreign nations. Kossuth, however, 
received the warmest sympathy of all classes, and material 
aid from private contributions. 

5. Two distinguished statesmen and eloquent 

1 fi 5*3 

orators died in the year 1852. One was Henry 
Clay, who had been for more than fifty years in public life, 



210 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and, at the lime of his decease, represeoted the stat« 

1S53. 

of Kentucky in the United States Senate. The 
other death which the nation mourned was that of Daniel 
Webster, the Secretary of State, and who, Uke Mr. Clay, 
had always eloquently advocated and upheld the honor and 
interests of his country. 

6. After the settlements on the Pacific coast had assumed 
great national importance, the government felt the necessity 
of commercial intercourse with Japan, and fitted out an 
expedition under command of Commodore M. C. Perry, for 
the purpose of soliciting from the Emperor of Japan the 
negotiation of a treaty of commerce and friendship between 
the two nations. The mission was successful, and the most 
friendly feelings exist between the two govei-nments. At 
the presidential election held this year, Frankhn Pierce, 
of New Hampshire, was elected President, and William 
R. King, of Alabama, Vice-President. A new 
territory, called Washington, taken from Oregon, 
was foi*med, and the bill became a law on the 2d of March, 
the close of Mr. Fillmore's administration. 

Questions on Taylor's and Fillmore's Admimstrations. — 1. What is 
said of the constitution of the state of California ? Of the article 
excluding slavei-y ? 

2. What did Mr. Clay do? What were the stipulations of the 
compromise act ? 

3. What sorrowful event took place? When did the President 
die, and who succeeded him ? What is said of the admission of 
California ? When and by whom was it first settled ? 

4. V/hat purchases were made by government ? 

5. What is said of Henry Clay ? Daniel Webster ? 

6. For what purpose was an expedition sent to Japan ? What 
is said of the mission and its result ? AVho were elected President 
and Vice-President ? What new territory was formed ? 



1853. 



Pierce's administration. 211 



FRANKLIN PIERCES ADMINISTRATION. 
■^ 1. President Pierce took the oath of office on tlie 

I 853« 

4th of March, 1853, and entered on the duties of 
President, Mr. King never took his seat as Vice-President. 
His ill health led him to seek the warmer climate of Cuba, 
where he spent the winter. He died April 18th, soon after 
his return to his residence in Alabama. 

2. Some dispute occurred between rival claimants for the 
Mesilla Valley. It was claimed by New Mexico as consti- 
tuting a part of its southern boundary, and it was also 
claimed by the Mexican government as part of the state of 
Chihuahua. The governor of the latter state took military 
possession of the disputed territory, and it was feared a col- 
lision would take place between the two governments. But 
the difficulty was adjusted by a treaty, by which the Mesilla 
^''alley and the tract of country now constituting the terri 
Uvy of Arizona was conveyed to the United States. B} 
this treaty the United States agreed to pay to Mexico th< 
sum of twenty millions of dollars. 

3. In January a bill was introduced into Con 
gress proposmg to erect the immense region west 
of the Missouri, to the Rocky Mountains, into two districts, 
to be called Nebraska and Kansas, and repealing the Mis- 
souri Compromise, giving to the people of each territory the 
right to be admitted into the Union either as free or slave 
states. The discussion of this bill led to intense excitement, 
but it finally passed both houses and became a law. 

4. At this time war was waged against Russia by Great 
Britain, France, and Turkey, and an incident occurred 
which threatened for a time the interruption of the ami- 



212 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

cibie relations which existed between England and 
America. It was evident that enlistments of men 
to aid the British in the war in the Crimea were made by 
the sanction of Mr. Crampton, the British minister. The 
government requested that Mr. Crampton might be recalled, 
but several months having elapsed before the demand was 
coraphed with, the President dismissed the minister and 
the consuls at New York, Philadelphia, and Cinciunati. 

5. The rejDeal of the Missouri Compromise opened 
the territory of the United States to settlers from 

all sections of the Union. An immense number of avowed 
anti-slavery persons ax once rushed to Kansas, and founded 
a number of towns. The pro-slavery men also went in 
large numbers from Missouri, and a reign of terror and 
civil war raged for more than a year in that ill-fated terri- 
tory. The events have been of such recent occurrence, and 
the statements so varying and contradictory, it is not pos- 
sible, at this time, to write a true and impartial history 
which shall render justice to the contestants for rule in 
Kansas. 

6. The presidential campaign excited much in- 
terest throughout the country. Three candidates 

were nominated : — Millard Fillmore by the American party, 
James Buchanan by the Democratic party, and John C. 
Fremont by the Republicans. The electoral election was 
held November 4th, and resulted in the choice of James 
Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, for President, and John C. 
Bveckenridge, of Kentucky, for Vice-President. 

Questions on Franklin Pierce's Administration. — 1. What is said 
of Mr. King, the Vice-President? 

2. Who were claimants of the Mesilla Valley ? How was the 
diihculty settled? What did the United States agree to pay to 
Mexico ? 



Buchanan's administration. 213 

3. What did the bill introduced into Congress propose to do ? 
What did it repeal? What is said of the discussion of this bilH 

4. By whose sanction were enlistments for the British army 
made? What diplomatic agents were dismissed in consequence? 

5. To what territory was there a rush of settlers ? What pre- 
vailed in Kansas ? 

6. What three candidates were nominated for the Presidency ? 
Wiiv was elected ? Who was elected Vice-President ? 



JAMES BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. Mr. Buclianan took the oath of office and 
entered on its duties on the 4th of March, 1857, 
and Mr. Breckenridge also took his seat as President of the 
Senate. For some time a threatening state of affairs existed 
in Utah. The Mormons, who were the settlers of that 
territory, refused obedience to the laws of the United States, 
or to submit to any authority other than that derived from 
Brigham Young, the head of the Mormon church, and the 
acting governor of the territory. By order of the President, 
Colonel Cummings, of Missouri, was appointed governor, 
and a strong body of troops were sent to enforce his autho- 
rity, and suppress rebellion. 

2. Aft^r a toilsome march, the troops reached Salt Lake 

City. No opposition was offered to the entrance 
of the troops, but many of the inhabitants left their 
homes, and moved to the southern portion of the territory. 
Commissioners were sent by the Federal government lo 
induce the Mormons to return, promising the withdrawal 
of the troops. These terms were acceded to, and the diffi- 
culty terminated. 

3. The President recommended to Congress the admission 
19 



214 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of Kansa,s as a state into the Union, and assent to 

1 85 8. 

the constitution adopted at Lecompton. This was 
strongly objected to, on the ground that the constitution 
had never been submitted to a popular vote, and that it 
was at variance with the wislies of the majority. In the 
Senate a small majority voted in favor of the bill, but it 
was rejected in the House. A substitute was adopted, to 
which the Senate refused its assent. A committee of 
conference was then appointed by both houses, and a bill 
reported by them was passed by both branches of Congress, 
and approved by the President, but rejected by the people 
of Kansas, at an election held in the territory. 

4. During this session of Congress, Minnesota wa.5 ad- 
mitted into the Union. The growth and settlement of this 
new state has been very rapid, having till recently been a 
hunting-ground for the Indian, and a habitation for the 
wild beast of the forest. It was first settled at St. Paul, in 
1846, by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

5. The most important act passed by Congress 
at the present session, was the admission of Oregon 
into the Union. The bill for its admission had been passed 
by the Senate at its last session, but was not acted on by the 
House until the 12th of February. Oregon was first settled 
at Astoria, in 1811, by emigrants from the Eastern States. 

6. The debates consequent on the Kansas bill effected a 
division among the members of Congress. One portion 
opposed the admission of Kansas under the Lecompton 
Constitution, because of its slavery proclivities, and because 
the will of the people had not been tested with regard to 
their wishes on the subject. The others considered that 
injustice had been done to the South by the rejection of 
nlavery, as introduced by actual settlers^ and their votea 
were for the Lecompton Constitution 



Buchanan's administration. 215 

7. Oue of the most prominent events of 1860 

I860 '■ 

was the official visit of the Japanese ambassadors 
The J arrived at San Francisco, and thence proceeded to 
Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, from 
whence they embarked for Japan, highly gratified by their 
visit to the United States. Another pleasing event arose 
from a visit paid by the Prince of Wales, who made quite 
an extensive journey through Canada and several states 
of the Union. In every part of the United States which 
he visited he was received with respect, and much attention 
was paid him by the corporate bodies of our principal cities 

8. Four candidates were nominated for the Presidency, 
viz. : Stephen A. Douglas, of Illinois ; Abraham Lincoln, 
of Illinois J John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky; and John 
Bell, of Tennessee. A very exciting campaign followed the 
nominations, and great anxiety wjis manifested in the result. 
By the returns, Mr. Lincoln was elected President, and 
Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine, Vice-President. Some of the 
leading politicians in the Southern States denounced the 
election as sectional, and hostile to the rights of the South 
and threatened to withdraw from the Union. 

9. This threat was first carried into efi"ect by South Caro- 
lina. On the 20th of December, that state in convention 
adopted an Act of Secession from the government of the 
United States, declared her own state sovereignty, hoisted 
the palmetto flag, and assumed an attitude of hostility to 
the general government. By this measure she dishonored 
the " Flag of the Union," the " Stars and Stripes," which 
once waved over her battle-fields of Eutaw Springs, Cowpens, 
Ilobkirk's Hill, Charleston, and Sullivan's Island. 

10. At the time that South Carolina set the example of 
secession. Fort Moultrie, in Charleston Harbor, was garri- 
soned by Major Robert x\nderson and a small body of troops 



216 IIISTOHY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Convinced that lie could not defend this post, he 

18G0. . . . . 

withdrew his forces to Fort Sumter, spiking the 
guns and burning the gun-carriages of the deserted fort. 
Soon after the evacuation of Fort Moultrie, it was taken 
possession of by the troops of South Carolina, as also Castle 
Pinckney, General Cass, Secretary of State, had urged 
the necessity of sending troops to keep possession of the 
forts in the seceding state. This the President refused to 
do. in consequence of which General Cass resigned his 
position^ and retired from the cares of government. 

11. Mr. Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, and 

Mr. Floyd, Secretary of War, resigned their offices 
from sympathy with the secessionists. Postmaster-General 
Holt, of Kentucky, was appointed acting Secretary of War, 
and Mr. Dix, of New York, Secretary of the Treasury, 
which departments they filled with marked ability during 
the remaining part of Mr. Buchanan's administration. 

12, The mouth of January was distinguished for a series 
of aggressive acts against the general government. In 
Georgia, Forts Pulaski and Jackson were seized by order 
of the state authorities. The United States revenue cutter 
at Savannah was fired into and captured, and the Arsenal 
at Augusta seized by the state troops. In North Carolina, 
Fort Macon, the forts at Wilmington, and the United States 
Arsenal at Fayetteville, were seized by the state troops. 
In Alabama, the United States Arsenal at Mobile was 
taken, also Fort Morgan, at the mouth of Mobile Bay. 
South Carolina seized the United States Arsenal, Custom- 
Ilouse, and Post-Office in Charleston, erected new fortifica- 
tions on Sullivan's and Johnson's Islands, and besieged 
^lajor Anderson and his garrison in Fort Sumter. 

13. Conventions were in session in several of the discon- 
tented states of the Union, which by their respective acts 



Buchanan's administration. 217 

proclaimed that the states they represented no 
longer owed allegiance to the United States govern- 
ment, and declared their secession from it. Mississippi 
did so on the 9th of January, Florida and Alabama on the 
11th, Georgia on the 19th, and Louisiana on the 26th. 
The steamer " Star of the West," sent to carry troops and 
provieions to Fort Sumter, was fired on by the secessionists 
in the harbor of Charleston, and obliged to return without 
effecting her mission. 

14. Mr. Thompson, of Mississippi, Secretary of the In- 
terior, resigned his position in the cabinet, dissatisfied at 
the determination of the President to maintain the rights 
of the government. The aggressions on the Federal go- 
vernment were still continued. In New Orleans, the United 
States Mint and Custom-House, and Marine Hospital, were 
seized by the state authorities. In Florida, Fort Barrancas 
and the Pensacola Navy Yard were seized. Lieutenant 
Slemmer, in command, withdrew to Fort Pickens, which 
he held against the forces of the enemy. 

15. On the 29th of January, Kansas was admitted into 
the Union as the thirty-fourth state. Its constitution pro- 
hibits slavery. This state was formed out of the country 
formerly known as the Indian Territory, and was settled by 
emigrants from other sections, principally, however, from 
New England It was long the arena of factious strife 
between the advocates of slavery and its opposers. The 
latter, however, outnumbered the former, and, after much 
delay and opposition, succeeded in having their constitution 
concurred in by Congress, and their territory'^rected into a 

^sovereign state. 

16. Commissioners from South Carolina asked of the 
President the withdrawal of government troops from the 
BtJite, and the surrender of the forts, to which measures he 

19* 



218 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

refused to accede. Early in February, a conference 
was held in Washington, in which eleven states 
were represented. The object of this assembly was to 
devise means to preserve peace, bring back the rebellious 
states to their allegiance, ask Congress and the state 
governments to repeal obnoxious laws, and to recommend 
and adopt measures conducive to harmony. But the 
intentions of this peace conference entirely failed, and 
they could agree on no acceptable course of measures to 
arrest the career of secession and dismemberment. 

17. A convention of the six rebelling states was held at 
Montgomery, Alabama. Three delegates were also present 
from North Carolina. This convention usurped a pro- 
visional government, and elected Jefferson Davis their so- 
called President, and Alexander H. Stephens their Vice- 
President. General Twiggs, commander of the United 
States forces in Texas, traitorously surrendered all the forts 
in that state to the secessionists, and directed the with- 
drawal of the troops. 

18. During this session of Congress, Dacotah, Nevada, 
snd Colorado were organized as territories, destined in 
future time to take their places as states in the Federal 
Union. On the 11th of February, Abraham Lincoln, 
President elect, left his home at Springfield, Illinois, for 
the seat of government, where he arrived on the 23d. In 
the cities and towns through which he passed, he was 
received with the warmest expressions of respect and en- 
thusiasm. Mr. Buchanan remained in Washington until 
after the inauguration of his successor, when he retired to 
private life. 

19. The administration now about entering on the 
threshold of its duties has much to encounter. Whether 
it will be able to Btem the tide of secession, which, by its 



Buchanan's administration. 219 

encroacliing waves, threatens to sweep away our 
ancient landmarks, it is not our province to conjec- 
ture or predict. It will have to encounter rebellion, treason, 
civil war, the prostration of commerce, the failure of reve- 
nue, and an inc.Tcasing public debt. Instead of thirty-four 
states, united by common ties, it will behold a formidable 
array of declared enemies, who have rudely attempted to 
sever the bond of union framed by the wisdom of their 
fathers. It will be incumbent on the administration now 
assuming the reins of government, " to see that the laws 
be faithfully executed," and.it will be bound by a solemn 
obligation to suppress rebellion at any sacrifice, except the 
surrender of honor and principle. 

Questions on James Buchanari's Administration. — 1. What is said 
of the Mormons in Utah ? Who was appointed governor by the 
Piesident? Who were sent to Utah ? 

2. What did the inhabitants of Salt Lake City do ? What did 
the government promise to do ? 

3. What did the President recommend to Congress ? On what 
ground was the admission of Kansas objected to? Was the bill 
passed ? What is said of a subsequent bill ? 

4. When was Minnesota admitted into the Union ? What is 
said of the growth and settlement of this new state ? When, 
where, and by wliom was it first settled ? 

5. When was Oregon admitted? When and where was it first 
settled ? 

6. Why was the Lecompton Constitution opposed ? Why was it 
advocated ? 

7. What cities were visited by the Japanese ambassadors? 
What other distinguished person visited the United States in 
1860? 

8. Name the candidates nominated for the Presidency. Who 
were elected President and Vice-President ? 

9. What state seceded from the Union ? 

10. Where is Fort Moultrie ? By whom was it garrisoned ? To 



220 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

what other fort did the commander withdraw his forces ? What 
had General Cass urged the President to do ? 

11. What cabinet officers resigned, and why? Who succeeded 
them? 

12. What government property was seized in Georgia? In 
North Carolina? In Alabama? What was done by South 
Carolina ? 

13. What states passed acts of secession in January? What ia 
gaid of the Star of the West? 

14. Who resigned his situation in the cabinet, and why? 
What seizures of government property were made in Louisiana? 
[n Florida? What is said of Lieutenant Slemmer? 

15. What is said of the admission of Kansas? 

16. What was asked by the commissioners from South Carolina? 

17. Where was the convention of the rebelling states held? 
What states were represented? What was done by General 
Twiggs? 

18. What territories were organized? What is said of Mr. 
Lincoln? How was he received by the people? What is said 
cf Mr. Buchanan ? 

19. What Avill the new administration have to enco'inter? 



Lincoln's administration. 221 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION. 

1. On the 4th of March, Mr. Lincoln was inau- 

1861, . ' 

gurated as President. In his address to the vast 
multitude assembled, he announced his intention of main- 
taining the supremacy of the laws, collecting the public 
revenues, and suppressing rebellion ; and called on law- 
abiding citizens to do all in their power to preserve peace 
and uphold the integrity of the Union. 

2. Seven states had by formal acts seceded from the 
Union, and were arrayed in active hostilities against the 
Federal government. These were, South Carolina, Missis- 
sippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. 
Major Anderson was besieged in Fort Sumter, and Lieu- 
tenant Slemmer in Fort Pickens. The government made 
no open demonstration of its intentions until April 11th, 
when it notified the insurgents, that the fleet now sent out 
was destined to supply Fort Sumter. 

3. The authorities at Charleston immediately cut oif 
Major Anderson's supplies and attacked the fort. Fort 
Moultrie commenced the bombardment, and was followed 
by the batteries on Mount Pleasant, Cummings' Point, and 
the floating battery, with shot and shell. Firing was kept 
up all day by the enemy, and renewed by Major Anderson 
the following morning (April 13th). But a breach had 
been made in the walls, some of the cannon were dismounted, 
and the officers' quarters set on fire. With a small number 
of men, who were exhausted from their incessant exertions, 
the gallant commander found the fort no longer tenable, 
and, raising a flag of truce, agreed to evacuate. Fort 



222 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Moultrie was much damasred by Anderson's fire, 

1861. o J ' 

but there appears to have been no loss of life on 
either side. 

4. The news of the fall of Fort Sumter produced an 
excitement rarely witnessed. Feelings of attachment to 
the Union, and a determination to uphold it, were exhibited 
by all classes of people. In the loyal states secession and 
treason found no favor, and the voice of the people, with 
one accord, declared that rebellion must be suppressed. 
The President issued a proclamation, calling for seventy- 
five thousand militia in defence of the country, and an 
extra session of Congress on the 4th of July. The call of 
the President for troops was promptly responded to, and 
regiments were mustered into service, armed, equipped, 
and sent forward immediately. 

5. As the city of Washington was threatened with an 
attack from the rebels, a number of the newly-levied troops 
hastened to its defence. The first arrival for that purpose 
consisted of five hundred Pennsylvania volunteers, whose 
appearance in the Federal city the 18th of April gave 
great joy to all its loyal inhabitants. On the following 
day a regiment of Massachusetts troops was assailed in the 
streets of Baltimore by a rebel mob, and fired on, when three 
of the soldiers were killed and a number wounded. The 
troops returned the fire, and several of the assailants fell. 
A body of unarmed Pennsylvania troops were attacked at 
the depot, and some severely wounded. They at last made 
their escape by being sent back in the train (April 19th). 

6. Virginia, by act of a convention, declared for secession. 
This act was dissented from by the western portion of the 
state, the people of which declared their attachment to the 
Union, and elected delegates to a convention which assem- 
bled at Wheeling. The enemy in Maryland destroyed the 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



223 




ENTRY OF FIRST TROOPS INTO WASHINGTON, APRIL 18, 1861. 



1S61. 



railroad bridfres from Havre-de-Gi 



to Baltimore 



to prevent the passage of troops. This obliged 
the troops leaving from the Middle and Eastern States to 
go by sea, aiid thence up the Potomac, or to embark at 
Havre-de-Grace, and proceed to Washington by way of 
Annapolis. 

7. The troops at Harper's Ferry, after removing all the 
arms they could with safety, destroyed the pubKc buildings 
and the remaining stock of arms, and retreated to Wash- 
ington. At Portsmouth, Va., the rebels placed obstructions 
in the harbor, to prevent the removal of vessels lying at 
the Navy Yard. In consequence, the government troops 
destroyed the Navy Yard, and a ship on the stocks. The 
other vessels were burnt or sunk to prevent their falling 
into the hands of the enemy. 



224 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

8. Early in May, the President issued his pro- 
clamation, calling into the service of the United 
States forty-two thousand volunteers for the army, and 
eighteen thousand seamen for the navy, to serve for the 
term of three years unless sooner discharged. Arkansas, 
Tennessee, and North Carolina withdrew from the Union, 
and now rank with the seceded states. In Missouri stren- 
uous efforts were made by the secessionists to take the 
state out of the Union, but without success. In St. Louis 
an attack was made on the United States troops by the 
rebels. The soldiers fired on the mob, and upwards of 
twenty were killed. A camp had been formed by state 
troops, supposed to be secessionists, which was captured, 
and the troops made prisoners of war. 

9. General Butler and a large body of troops now occu- 
pied Baltimore, and the railroad and bridges having been 
rebuilt, the city again assumed a quiet and orderly con- 
dition. During the month of May three regiments of 
Pennsylvania troops encamped near Fort McHenry. They 
were under the command of General Cadwalader. The 
secessionists erected a number of batteries on the Elizabeth 
River, the approach to Norfolk. They also put up a battery 
at Sewall's Point, which would command the vessels block- 
ading James River. The " Star" opened a cannonade, and 
while thus engaged. Captain Ward's steam flotilla from New 
York arrived. By request the captain took post with his 
vessel, the " Freeborn,'' within five hundred yards of the 
shore, which dislodged the party and destroyed the battery. 
It was, however, afterwards rebuilt, and continued for 
several months in the occupancy of the rebels. 

10. On the 24th of May, a body of troops took possession 
of Arlington Heights, Va., and then marched to Alexandria. 
At this place a tragical event occurred. Colonel Ellsworth, 



Lincoln's administration. 225 

commander of the New York Zouaves, "wlio had 

1861. . 

taken down a secession flag from the Marshall 
House, was assailed by the proprietor, and killed by a dis- 
charge from a double-barrelled gun. The assassin instantly 
fell, pierced with bullets. Colonel Ellsworth was a young 
man, highly esteemed, and possessing a great degree of 
military skill. His death was universally lamented. 

11. Early in June, Stephen A. Douglas, the distinguished 
senator and statesman, died at his residence in Chicago, 
Illinois. His death was looked on as a great national 
calamity. Two columns of troops, under General McClel- 
lan's command, surprised a camp of the rebels near Phil- 
lippi, Va., routing them completely, and capturing a large 
amount of arms, ammunition, horses, and camp equipage. 
Colonel Kelly, commander of one of the detachments, was 
severely wounded. 

12. Early on the morning of June 10th, General Butler 
sent detachments from Fortress Monroe and Newport News 
against the enemy, who had formed an intrenched camp at 
Great Bethel, on the Yorktown road. At midnight. Colonel 
Duryea's Zouaves and Colonel Townsend's Albany regiment 
crossed the river at Hampton, and marched onward. Colo- 
nel Bendix's regiment, and detachments of Vermont and 
Massachusetts troops, moved from Newport News, to form 
a junction with the troops first named. Unfortunately, in 
the darkness of the night, each detachment mistook the 
other for the enemy, and commenced a fire, by which one 
man was killed and several wounded. 

13. At daybreak, Colonels Allen's and Carr's regiments 
marched from the fortress and joined the main body, which 
now advanced on the enemy, who were intrenched behind 
a masked battery. An unsuccessful attempt was made to 
take the battery, when General Pierce, commander of the 

20 



220 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

expedition, ordered a retreat. Lieutenant Jolin 
T. Greble, of tlie regular army, a brave and ac- 
complished officer, who had rendered efficient service in 
the action, had just obeyed the order to retreat, and en- 
deavored to withdravr his command, when he was struck 
on the head by a ball from the rebel battery and instantly 
killed. His death was universally lamented throughout 
the Union, and particularly in Philadelphia, his birthplace, 
where he was favorably known and beloved by hosts of 
friends. Major Winthrop. of Massachusetts, a brave and 
gallant officer, also fell in this disastrous engagement. 

14. In Missouri the rebels at BoonevillC; under Jackson 
and Price, were attacked by General Lyon, who crossed 
the river below the town and opened on them with a heavy 
fire. The rebels now retreated into a wood, whence they 
fired on the Federal troops. General Lyon then ordered a 
retreat, when the rebels left their position, and followed 
him. General Lyon then faced about, and opened a heavy 
cannonade on the enemy, who were effectually repulsed. 

15. Captain Ward, of the United States steamer Free- 
born, landed twenty-five men at Matthias Point, with the 
intention of erecting a battery. Lieutenant Chaplin, of 
the Pawnee, had charge of the expedition. A breastwork 
was hastily constructed, but before it could be mounted 
with guns, they were surprised by the enemy, who poured 
in a heavy fire of musketry. LTnder cover of the guns of 
the Freeborn, the crews put off in their boats, and some 
escaped by swimming. Captain Ward behaved with great 
coolness, directing the fire from the steamer, when he was 
struck with a bail and killed. The only life lost was that 
of the brave commander (June 27th). 

16. The troops under General Patterson crossed the 
Potomac at Williamsport. About a mile from Falling 



Lincoln's administration. 227 

Waters they encountered the enemy, and a sharp 
conflict ensued, resulting in the defeat of the 
rebels. At Hainesville a stand was made by the rebels, 
who were again repulsed (July 2d). Agreeably to the call 
of the President, Congress met July 4th. The President's 
Message, read to both houses on the second day of tJie 
eessiou, recited, in calm and dispassionate language, the 
history of the rebellion, the secession of several states, and 
the seizure of the forts and public revenues within their 
borders. He recommended the adoption of vigorous mea- 
sures for the suppression of the rebellion. 

17. A large majority of both houses responded cordially 
to the recommendations of the President, by voting the 
necessary supplies of men and money to support the war. 
In the Senate, Messrs. Mason, Hunter, Clingman, Bragg, 
Chestnut, Nicholson, Sebastian, Mitchell, Wigfa'l, and 
Hemphill, from the seceding states, were expelled. 

18. An engagement took place between the United 
States troops under Colonel Sigel, and the Missouri state 
.troops under Jackson and Price. The enemy's force was 
greatly superior in numbers, but Colonel Sigel possessed 
more efficient artillery. The battle commenced at ten 
o'clock, and at noon the battery of the enemy was silenced. 
The infantry now advanced, and the enemy's centre was 
broken. The rebels sent a detachment to capture Sigel's 
baggage train, which was three miles in the rear. Colonel 
Sigel ordered a retreat, and sent word to the baggage train 
to advance, and by these means frustrated the enemy's 
intentions. He then retired to Carthage, and thence tc 
Sarcoxie, without molestation (July 5th). 

19. A battle was fought at llich Mountain, Va., where 
the enemy under Colonel Pegram were entrenched. Gene- 
ral Fvosecrans marched against them, when a desperate 



228 HISTORY OF TITS UNITED STATES. 

fia,ht ensued, which Listed an hour, wlieu tht 

1861. ^ ' ' 

enemy fled. After the battle, General McCleilar 
pushed on to Beverly. His men took possession of th< 
enemy's works, all his cannon, and a large amount of 
wagons, tents, &c. Soon after, Colonel Pegram, with six 
hundred men, surrendered himself and command as pri- 
soners of war (July 11th). 

20. Another battle took place near St. George, Tucker 
(bounty, Va., between the rebels and the pursuing forces 
of General McGlellan. General Morris commanded the 
division, and complete!}^ routed the enemy, with a loss of 
two hundred killed and one thousand prisoners. General 
Garnett, commander of the rebels, fell while endeavoring 
to rally his troops. General McDowell, with his army, 
marched against Fairfax Court House, of which they took 
possession without resistance, the enemy evacuating the 
town on the approach of the Federal troops, leaving a 
quantity of provisions and military stores behind. The 
army then advanced to Centre ville, which they occupied 
without opposition (July 17th), 

21 General Tyler marched with his division from Cen- 
treville, and learning that the rebels had masked batteries 
at Bull Run, sent out a detachment to reconnoitre. The 
troops came upon the masked battery, which opened a 
destructive fire, that was promptly returned by the Federal 
troops. Their supply of grape and canister shot, however, 
failing, they were obliged to retire (July 18th). 

22. The whole army, under command of General Mc- 
Powell, advanced towards the rebel batteries, and the 
following morning (July 21st) commenced an attack. At 
two o'clock, by a bright moonlight, the march began. 
The second division., Colonel Hunter, led the advance. 
The first division, led by General Tyler, advanced in nearly 



Lincoln's administration. 229 

a parallel column. At daybreak they reaclieJ 

1861. ^ . 

Bull Run, and their guns opened on the enemy's 
works. The firing was responded to by three batteries^ 
and continued till 11 A. M. The enemy's fire then ceased, 
and a charge was made on the batteries, which in a few 
minutes were taken, the Confederate flag torn down, and 
the Stars and Stripes raised. 

23. ]>ut now a sad reverse occurred, and the victory wa? 
turned into a defeat. While the men were resting from 
their fatigue, and rejoicing in their success, other masked 
batteries opened a destructive fire with musketry and can- 
non. The enemy was invisible, and the late victors were 
compelled to abandon the batteries they had so gallantly- 
captured. They retired in good order under cover of their 
artillery. At three o'clock, the enemy, who had been 
strongly reinforced, charged on the Federal troops, and 
compelled them to retreat. General McDowell had in- 
tended making a stand at Centreville, but such a panic 
seized the army, followed by an overwhelming force, that 
his intention was fruitless. The army retreated rapidly 
through Centreville and Fairfax, finally stopping at its old 
entrenchments on the Potomac. 

24. The loss of life on both sides in this battle was 
fearful. The Union army lost many valuable officers, 
among whom were Colonel Cameron, of the 79th New York 
Regiment, Colonel Slocum, 2d R. I., Lt. Colonel Fowler, 
14th N.Y. The plan of the commander-in-chief contem- 
plated a union of the army at Charlestown, Va., with 
General McPowell, to prevent General Johnston reinforcing 
Beauregard. But this plan was not carried out, and the 
rebel forces at Bull Run received such an accession of 
numbers, that they were enabled to drive back the Union 

20- 



230 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

forces, and capture a large quantity of artiiler}? 
and baggage. 

25. General Lyon, with three columns, under the com- 
mand of himself, Sigel, and Sturgess, attacked the enemy 
(xiugust 10th) at Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Mo. 
The engagement was severe, and the enemy fell back 
towards their encampments. Their tents and baggage- 
wagons were burned by the shells of Totten's artillery, 
General Lyon was killed while leading his detachment, 
and the command devolved on General Sigel, who continued 
the pursuit of the enemy till nightfall. Next day he re- 
treated to Springfield, after which he fell back to Ptolla, 
with his prisoners and baggage, and waited for reinforce- 
ments. Both sides claimed the victory. 

26. On the 26th of August, a battle took place at Cross 
Lanes, near Summerville, Va. Colonel Tyler, of the 7th 
Ohio Regiment, with his whole command, was surrounded 
and attacked in front and on both flanks. The United 
States troops cut their way through, formed in line of 
battle, and retreated in good order. An expedition of 
nine vessels under Commodore Stringham and General 
Butler, with one thousand troops, was sent against the forts 
at Hatteras Inlet, N. C. After a severe bombardment, 
Forts Clark and Hatteras were captured, together with 
seven hundred and fifteen men, a large quantity of military 
stores, a brig laden with cotton, and a sloop with provisions 
and stores. None were killed or wounded on the part of 
the United States. The rebels lost eight killed and fifteen 
severely wounded. This victory gave the government 
control of the coast of North Carolina. 

27. In the month of September, a number of battles 
and skirmishes occurred. The first took place at Boone 
Court House, Va., in which the enemy was routed. An 



Lincoln's administhation. 231 

attack was made on a reconnoitrino' party at 

1861. ti t J 

Lewinsville, Va., and soon after, Colonel Geary's 
pickets at Darnstown, Md., were assaulted by about four 
liuudred and fifty rebels. Three companies of the 28 th 
Pennsylvania Regiment, and two companies of the 13th 
Massachusetts, were sent against them, and they were 
routed from every house and breastwork which they had 
occupied. 

28. General Rosecrans attacked General Floyd, who 
occupied a strong position near Summerville, Ya., with an 
army of three thousand men, and sixteen field-pieces. 
Colonel Lytle's regiment was in advance, and drove the 
enemy out of camp. He then advanced against the 
battery, but fell wounded. Colonel Smith, of the IBth 
Ohio Regiment, engaged the enemy on the left, and Colo- 
nel Lowe, of the 19th, in front. Colonel Lowe was killed 
in the early part of the engagement. McMullin's battery 
and Snyder's field-pieces silenced two of the rebels' guns. 
The German brigade was led into action, but night coming 
on closed the engagem-ent. In the night, Floyd crossed 
the Gauley River, and escaped 

29. On the 17th, General Price, with a large force, 
marched against the fort at Lexington, Mo., and de- 
manded its surrender. The brave commander. Colonel 
Mulligan, refused the demand, on which the attack wa.s 
commenced by artillery The engagement continued two 
hours, when the rebels were repulsed with a heavy loss. 
The attack was renewed on the LSth, and continued with- 
out intermission. The enemy cut off the supply of water, 
and the garrison fought for fifty-nine hours, without any- 
thing to assuage their thirst, until the 20th, when the fort 
was surrendered. No place was ever more bravely de- 
feuded, but the desperate valor of the garrison could not 



232 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

avail, ao;ainst the immense disparity of force 

1861. ' o f J 

brought to bear upon them, in addition to their 
sufferings. 

30. Major Gould, with some troops of the loth Mas- 
sachusetts llegiment, crossed the Potomac for the pur- 
pose of securing twenty-two thousand bushels of wheat 
stored at Harper's Ferry. On the 14th of October, the 
detachment commanded by Colonel Geary crossed the 
river, and on that and the following day succeeded in 
transporting the wheat to the Maryland side. Having 
accomplished the object of their expedition, they were 
about returning to their encampments, when, on the morn- 
ing of the 16th, an attack was made on the outer line of 
pickets, consisting of companies D and F of the 2Sth 
Pennsylvania. They were at first driven in, but soon made 
a stand in the town of Bolivar, where they were joined by 
a portion of the Massachusetts regiment and two companies 
of the 3d Wisconsin, all under the command of Colonel 
Geary. 

31. These forces sustained for a time a tremendous fire 
of shot and shell, and repulsed three cavalry charges made 
upon them. A battery from Loudon Heights opened fire 
upon them. About one o'clock, Lieutenant Martin, of the 
New York 9th Artillery, arrived on the field with one of 
James's rifled cannon. He at once, by some well-directed 
shots, silenced the enemy's battery, and disabled a steel 
rifled cannon, which was dragged from the field as useless 
A furious charge was now made by the combined forces, 
which was successful, compelling the enemy to fly in the 
direction of Charlestown, completely demoralized. 

32. On the 21st of October, by orders of General Stone, 
a body of troops crossed the Potomac at Ball's Bluff 



Lincoln's administration. 233 

A detachment of Massachusetts troops marched 
towards Leesburg, and were attacked by a large 
force of the enemy concealed in a ravine. Twenty-three 
fell, and the survivors retreated, falling back until rein- 
forced. Colonel Baker, of the California Regiment, now 
took command, and the battle raged with great fury from 
two until four o'clock. Colonel Baker, while actively en- 
o-ao-ed was shot, and fell dead. Lieutenant-Colonel Wistar 
was severely wounded, and the command devolved on 
Colonel Coggeshall, of the New York Tammany Regiment. 
At dusk the order was given to retreat. Th^. troops had 
been brought over in two or three scows, totally inade- 
quate as a means of transportation to make an attack, and 
now nearly useless, from the numbers pressing in them to 
escape the murderous fire of the rebels. 

33. One of the boats was sunk from being overloaded, 
and many of the fugitives drowned. Others threw their 
arms and knapsacks into the Potomac, and sought safety 
by swimming, narrowly escaping with their lives. Others 
were swept away by a rapid current to a watery grave. 
The United States troops numbered about seventeen hun- 
dred, while the enemy brought three thousand five hundred 
into the field. This was the most unfortunate battle of the 
war; rushed into blindly, rashly, and without due prepara- 
tion, terminating in a bloody massacre. The number of 
killed, wounded, and missing was six hundred and forty, 
many of whom were taken prisoners. Grreat sorrow was 
felt for the death of Colonel Baker, a senator in Congress 
from California, and a military officer of great experience. 
The troops behaved bravely, and no blame attaches to ihem 
or their lamented leader. 

34. Lexington, Mo., was recaptured in October, by 
Major White, and another victory was gained at Fioderick- 



234 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

town, in tiie same state, by Major Schofield, wliile 
Fremont's body-guard, under Major Zagoui, de- 
feated tlie rebels at Springfield. At Komuey, Va.. General 
Kelly gained a complete victory over the rebels, after a 
battle wliicli continued two hours. On the last of the 
mouth, General Scott tendered his resignation as com- 
mander-in-chief of the army, in consequence of his great 
age and increasing infirmities. General McClellan was 
appointed to succeed him. Genera} Winfield Scott was 
born in Virginia in 1776, and has been distinguished for 
active service during the chief part of his long and useful 
life. 

35. A naval expedition was sent out in October. The 
fleet was under the command of Commodore Dupont, and 
consisted of fifty vessels. It encountered very stormy 
weather, and a number of the smaller vessels were wrecked. 
But on the evening of the 4th of November, the lighter 
transports and gunboats were anchored in the roadstead of 
Port Royal, S. C. On the following morning the Wabash 
crossed the bar, followed by the Atlantic, the Vanderbilt, 
and other vessels of deep draught. On the 7th an attack 
was made on the forts at Hilton Head and Bay Point. 
The battle continued four hours, when a flag of truce was 
raised on Fort Walker. General Sherman, commanding 
the land forces, took possession of the fort and the cannon, 
which had been abandoned by the rebels The town of 
Beaufort was deserted by its white inhabitants, and taken 
possession of by the United States troops. 

36. Commodore Wilkes, of the San Jacinto, arrested' 
the rebel commissioners, Messrs. Slidell and Mason, od 
their way to England. They were taken from the English 
mail steamer Trent, and sent to Fort Warren, as prisoners. 
AHien the news of their capture reached England, there 



Lincoln's administration. 235 

was an immense decree of excitement, and clamer 
for war, to avenge the insulted flag and the national 
honor. Negotiations took place between the British min- 
istry and the Secretary of State, which resulted in the 
surrender of the rebel ambassadors to the British govern- 
ment, and their release from captivity, and thus the diffi- 
culty terminated. 

37. In the Senate a motion was made to expel John C. 
Breckinridge for having joined the rebels, and passed 
without dissent. Subsequently, Johnson and Polk, sena- 
tors from Missouri, were expelled for the same cause. 
In December, a battle occurred in Western Virginia; 
General Milroy^ commanding the United States forces, and 
General Johnson the rebels. The latter were driven into 
their fortifications, when the Union forces retired. Another 
battle took place near Warrenton, Mo., when Colonel Davis 
defeated the rebels, took twelve hundred prisoners, including 
several officers of distinction, a thousand horses, a thousand 
stand of arms, and a large quantity of baggage and sup- 
plies. 

Questions on Abraham Lincohi's Administration. — 1. What did 
the President announce in his inaugural address ? 

2. What states had seceded from the Union? What is said of 
Major Anderson ? Lieutenant Slemmer ? What did the govern- 
ment do on the 11th of April ? 

3. What was done by the authorities of Charleston ? Give an 
account of the bombardment. 

4. What effect was produced by the fall of Fort Sumter? AVhat 
did the President call for in his proclamation ? 

5. W^hat city was threatened with an attack ? What troops first 
arrived for its defence ? ' What is said of a Massachusetts regi- 
ment ? Of Pennsylvania troops ? When did this occur ? 

6. What was done by Virginia ? What did the western portion 
do ? What was done by the rebels in Maryland ? 



236 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

7. What was done by the troops at Harper's Ferry ? At Ports- 
mouth, Va. ? 

8. How many troops did tlie President now call for? Hom 
iiiany seamen? What states now seceded? What was done in 
Missouri? In St. Louis? 

9. What was done by General Butler ? What troops were sent 
to Baltimore ? Near what fort were they encamped ? Where did 
the secessionists of Virginia erect batteries ? Describe the attack 
on Sewall's Point. 

10. Of what places did the Federal troops take possession? 
What tragical event occurred ? 

11. When and where did Senator Douglas die? What is said 
of his death ? What is said of General McClellan ? Colonel 
Kelly? 

12. What did General Butler do? Describe the expedition. 

13. What took place at daybreak? What was the result? 
What officers were killed ? What is said of Lieutenant Grcble ? 
Of Major Winthrop ? 

14 Describe the battle of Booneville. Who commanded the 
rebels ? The Union troops ? 

15. What was done by Captain Ward? Who had command of 
the expedition ? Describe the operations of the party. What 
vessel furnished its protection ? Who was killed ? 

16. What did General Patterson's troops do? What battles 
ensued, and when ? When did Congress assemble ? What wae 
recommended by the President ? 

17. Who were expelled from the Senate? 

18. Describe the battle in Missouri. Who commanded the 
Federal troops ? The Secession troops ? Give the date. 

19. Describe the battle of Rich Mountain. Who were the com- 
manders ? What did General McClellan do ? What is said of 
Colonel Pegrara ? 

20. Describe the battle near St. George. What general was 
killed ? What was done by General McDowell and his army ? 
Where did the army then advance ? Give the date. 

21. What did General Tyler do? What took place at Bull 
Run? 

22. What did General McDowell do July 21st? When aid tho 



Lincoln's administration. 287 

march begin ? Who commanded the divisions ? What place was 
reached at daybreak? How long did the firing continue? What 
then look place ? 

23. What was done by the masked batteries? What were the 
Federal troops obliged to do? What occui-red at three o'clock! 
To what places did the array retreat ? 

24. What otficers were killed ? What was the plan of the com- 
mander-in-chief? Was the plan carried out? What were the 
consequences ? 

2.5. Who attacked the enemy at Wilson's Creek? Describe the 
battle. Who was killed ? Who now took command? What did 
General Sigel do the following day? 

20. Describe the battle of Cross Lanes. Where did another 
battle occur? Wlio commanded the naval expedition? The land 
forces? What were captured ? 

27. What battles now occurred? Describe the attack on Colo- 
nel Geary's pickets. Who were sent against the enemy? 

28. Where was General Floyd posted? Describe the attack. 
How long did the battle continue? What became of Floyd? 

29. Who commenced an attack on the fort at Lexington, Mis- 
souri ? Who commanded the fort ? Describe the battle on the 
17th. On the 18th. What compelled the garrison to surrender ? 

30. Why did Major Gould cross the Potomac? To whom did 
he send for reinforcements ? What was accomplished by them ? 
What companies were attacked ? By whom were they reinforced ? 
Who commanded these forces ? 

31. Describe the battle. Who arrived on the field? What was 
done by Lieutenant Martin ? What was now done by the com- 
bined forces ? State the result. 

32. What was done by order of General Stone? Who took the 
lead ? What took place near Leesburg ? Who now took com- 
mand? How long did the battle continue? Who was killed? 
Wounded? Who took command? What means were provided 
for retreat ? 

33. Describe the attempt at recrossing the river. What were 
the respective numbers of the opposing forces ? What was the 
number of killed, wounded, and missing ? What is said of Colone) 
S-.iker? 

21 



Z85 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

84. Who recaptured Lexington? What other victories were 
gained in Missouri? In Virginia ? What was done by General 
Scott? Wlio succeeded him? 

35. When was a naval expedition sent out? Of what did it 
consist? Who commanded? What did it encounter? Where 
did a portion of the fleet anchor, and when ? What vessels 
ci-ossed tlie bar the following day ? What took place on the 7th ? 
State the result. What town had been deserted ? 

36. Who were arrested by Commodore Wilkes? What was the 
effect in England ? How was the affair settled ? 

37. Who were expelled from the Senate? What battle in Vir- 
ginia ? In Missouri ? What were captured ? 



EVENTS OF 1862. 

1. On the 19th of January, the rebel General 
Zollickoffer attacked General Thomas's encamp- 
ment, eight miles from Somerset. Ky, The lOtli Indiana 
Regiment held the enemy in check for half an hour, when 
it was relieved by the 9th Ohio, 2d Minnesota, and 4th 
Kentucky. The 1st and 2d Tennessee were ordered on 
the right wing to outflank the enemy. After fighting for 
two hours, a desperate bayonet charge was made on the 
enemy, which drove them to their intrenchments. Night 
put an end to the conflict, and the rebel troops crossed the 
Cumberland River in the night. During the engagement, 
General Zollickoff'er was slain, and his body left on the 
battle-field. 

2. A naval expedition sent against the rebels on the 
Tennessee River, attacked Fort Henry, which surrendered 
after a spirited resistance. The surrender was made by 
General Tilghman to flag-officer Foote. After the. battle 



Lincoln's administration. 239 

the gunboats Lexington, Conestoga, and Tyler 
went up the river a distance of two hundred and 
fifty miles, from Paducah to Florence, in Alabama, at the 
head of navigation. Everywhere along the river they were 
welcomed by Union men, and their flag hailed with shouts 
of joy. Ex-President Tyler died at Richmond after a 
short illness, Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, was expelled 
from the Senate for correspondence with Jefferson Davis. 

3. General Burnside, with a large body of troops, sailed 
for the coast of North Carolina, the fleet being under com- 
mand of Commodore Goldsborough. On the 7th of Feb- 
ruary, the fleet advanced against Boanoke Island, and 
attacked the batteries. The bombardment continued 
through the day, during which the troops effected a 
landing, and, the following morning, marched upon the 
enemy in detachments commanded by Generals Foster, 
Beno, and Parke. After a battle of several hours' contin- 
uance, the enemy surrendered. Six forts, forty cannon, 
three thousand small arms, and twenty -two hundred pri- 
soners were captured. Commodore Goldsborough attacked 
and destroyed the rebel fleet, and landed on the coast, 
W'hen the troops captured Elizabeth City (February 8th). 

4. Edenton, Hertford, Colerain, and Plymouth were 
soon afterwards surrendered by the inhabitants. Fort 
Donelson, on the Cumberland River, Tenn., was bombarded 
by the gunboats which had done such gallant service at 
Fort Henry. A galling fire from the rebel batteries in- 
flicted severe injuries upon them, and crippled their ener- 
gies. But what was lost by the naval part of the forces 
was made up by the troops who invested the fort, and 
after a severe contest compelled its surrender (February 
IGth). 

5. The fort, with fifteen thousand prisoners^ was given 



240 



ErSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 





=1^^==.^:= / liUSCRBA'^ ' 



lATTLE OF FORT DOXELSON. 



186a ^P to General Grant. General Floyd, with about 
five thousand men, had escaped previously. Nash- 
ville soon after submitted to the United States troops with- 
out opposition. The division of the army under General 
Banks made a forward movement, by crossing the Potomac, 
and taking possession of Harper's Ferry, Bolivar, Charles- 
town, Martinsburg, and other towns in Virginia. Colonel 
Geary took possession of Leesburg, and drove out General 
Hill with his entire command. Fort Johnson was taken 
possession of, and named Fort Geary (March 8th). 

6. On the 8th of March, a naval battle took place near 
Newport News. The iron-clad steamer Merrimac, and the 
steamers Yorktown and Jamestown, attacked the United 
States fleet stationed near the mouth of the James River, 
The Merrimac ran into the sloop-of-war Cumberland, which 
she sunk, and then attacked the frigate Congress, which 



Lincoln's administration. 241 

had been Dreviously assailed by the other rebel 
1863. ' •^ ^ 

steamers. The United States vessel, unable to con- 
tend against iron-clad vessels, surrendered, and her officers 
and crew became prisoners. The steamer Minnesota, sent 
to the relief of the captured vessel, ran aground, and, in 
this condition, was attacked by the Merrimac. In the 
night the Ericsson iron-clad steamer Monitor arrived, and 
at once went to the assistance of the Minnesota. 

7. On the following morning the contest was renewed, 
and carried on by the two iron-clad steamers from eight 
o'clock until noon, when the Monitor made a large hole in 
the Merrimac ; the latter, with the rest of the rebel fleet, 
escaped to Norfolk. By this battle the United States lost 
two vessels, the officers of the Congress, who became 
prisoners, and the officers and crew who were drowned by 
the sinking of the Cumberland. The Minnesota was re- 
lieved from her perilous condition, and the arrival of the 
Monitor changed the fortunes of the dny. 

8. Commodore Dupont, with a portion of his fleet, cap- 
tured the town of Brunswick, Geo, The fleet then pro- 
ceeded to Cumberland Sound, Florida, and took Fernandina. 
Fort Clinch was abandoned on the approach of the fleet, 
and St. Mary's was captured without opposition. The 
Army of the South- West, under General Curtis, after three 
days' hard fighting, gained an important victory over the 
combined forces of Van Dorn, McCullough, Price, and 
Mcintosh. The battle commenced on the 6.th of March, 
near Sugar Creek, Arkansas, but, on the following day, 
was transferred to Pea Ridge. On the 8th the battle 
was renewed, when the enemy was routed, and retired in 
great confusion. Guns, flags, and provisions were cap- 
tured in large quantities. This battle is ; euerally known 
by the name of Pea llidge. 

21^ 



212 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

9. Tlie rebels in Virginia retreated from i^Ia- 
nassas and Centreville, and the Federal troops 
took possession of them March 10th. A battle took place 
on the 23d, between the forces under Generals Jackson, 
Smith, and Longstreet, and the United States troops under 
General Shields. It commenced about ten in the morning, 
and continued till dark. The rebels numbered about 
fifteen thousand, while the United States troops were eight 
thousand. The loss was heavy on both sides. The battle 
ended by the flight of the rebels, who threw away their 
arms in their hasty retreat to Strasburg. 

10. The rebels evacuated New Madrid, Missouri, on the 
night of March 13th, leaving a quantity of guns and stores 
which they were unable to carry away. At Island' No. 10,* 
in the Mississippi River, the enemy had a large force, well 
provided with artillery. Commodore Foote, with his flotilla 
and mortar-boats, attacked the fortifications on the island. 
General Pope, with his army, crossed the river from the 
Tennessee shore. This movement cut off all chance of the 
rebels' retreat, and they were obliged to surrender, after a 
siege of several weeks' continuance. By this capitulation, 
six thousand soldiers became prisoners of war, including 
three generals. One hundred siege guns, several field 
batteries, and a large quantity of small arms and stores 
were captured. 

11. On the 14th of March, General Burnside commenced 
an attack on the enemy's works, six miles below Newbern, 
N. C. They were defended by a large force, and reached 
nearly two miles. After four hours' hard fighting, the 
rebels were driven out of their positions, with the loss of 

* So called from its being the tentli in number from the mouth 
of tlie Ohio. 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



243 




SURRENDER OF ISLAND NO. 10. 



three batteries of field artillery, forty-six heavy 
siege guns, large stores of ammunition, three thou- 
sand small arms, and two hundred prisoners. The chief 
part of the rebels escaped by the ears to Goldsboronghj 
burning the bridges over the Trent and Claremont Rivers, 
The Federal troops were commanded by Generals Reno^ 
Foster, and Parks, xiftcr the capture of Newbern, Gene- 
ral Burnside sent an expedition against Beaufort, in the 
same state. This town was evacuated by the enemy, on 
approach of the troops. 

12. The city of St. Augustine was surrendered to Com- 
modore Dupont's fleet without opposition, the municipal 
authorities receiving Commodore Rodgers in the Town 
Hall, and raising the United States flag. Fort Marion 
was deserted by the rebel troops on approach of the gun- 
boats, and Jacksonville was surrendered by the authorities. 



244 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Generals Beauresrard and Johnston left their po- 

1863. , . , - . ^ 

sition at Corinthj April 6tli, and attacked the 
Union forces at Pittsburgh Landing, Tennessee. General 
Prentiss's division was first attacked, and driven in. Gen- 
eral Sherman's division now sustained the heaviest fire of 
tlie enemy, which drove the Federal troops from their 
camps, and a fresh division coming up assailed General 
McCleroand's division. The battle continued till five 
o'clock, at which time the rebels had driven the Federal 
troops to the bank of the river. The gunboats Lexington 
and Tyler now threw a quantity of shell on the rebel forces, 
and night coming on, the combatants rested. The rebel 
forces numbered sixty thousand, while the United States 
troops did not exceed thirty-eight thousand. During tl?e 
night the forces under Generals Lewis Wallace and Buell 
arrived. 

L3. Early on the morning of the 7th, the battle was 
renewed by General Wilson on the left and General Wallace 
on the right. General Nelson's force opened a galling HrQ 
on the enemy, and advanced rapidly as they fell back, aiid 
General Buell succeeded in flanking them and capturing 
their batteries of artillery. At three o'clock, GeQcr:'.! 
Grant rode to the left, where fresh regiments had becu 
ordered, and sent a portion of his body-guard to the head 
of each of the five regiments, and then ordered a charge, 
before which the rebels fled in dismay. General Buell 
followed the rebels, now in full retreat towards Corintli. 
The losses were severe on both sides. Among the killed 
was General Albert Sydney Johnston, the rebel commander, 
and General W. H. Wallace, of the United States forces. 
General Prentiss was'taken prisoner at the commencement 
of the first day's battle. 

14. Fort Pulaski, Geo., was attacked and bombarded on 



Lincoln's administration. 245 

the 10th of April, by General Hunter. At two 
o'ciock Oil the following day, a large breach having 
been made in the wails, the garrison surrendered. Fort 
Macon, N. C, wa.s surrendered April 25th, after a bom- 
bardment of more than ten hours. But the most important 
event of the war thus far, was the surrender of the city of 
New Orleans. On the approach of the fleet commanded 
by flag-officer D. Gr. Farragut, the rebel army abandoned 
the city, and it was surrendered to the fleet by the munici- 
pal authorities (April 26th). General Butler, with his 
army, landed in the city soon after, taking military posses- 
sion. Baton Rouge was also occupied by the United 
States forces. 

15. Previous to the surrender of New Orleans, the enemy 
placed all sorts of obstructions in the river, to prevent the 
passage of the fleet. The bombardment of the forts St. 
Philip and Jackson commenced on the 18th of April, and 
continued until the 23d, when Commodore Farragut, vfhh 
the fleet, passed the forts, firing upon them in the passage, 
and sustaining a terrible fire in return. The fleet, however, 
efl^ected the hazardous passage, while the mortar-boa ti<, 
under Commander Porter, kept up an incessant bombard- 
ment on the forts. The attack on the forts was continued 
until the 28th, when they were surrendered. The naval 
engagement resulted in the destruction or capture of the 
enemy's fleet, thus leaving the city defenceless. General 
Lovell withdrew on approach ©f the fleet, and the second 
commercial city of the United States was again placed 
under Federal authority. 

16. General Mitchell, with his division, made a rapid 
advance through Kentucky and Tennessee, to Northern 
Alabama- They rebuilt the broken bridges, relaid the 
torn-up rails, and then surprised the enemy at Huntsville, 



246 IIISTOIIY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

seizincT tlie railroad aod cars, and vast quantities 

of stores. General Pope defeated the rebels at 

Farmington, took over two thousand prisoners, a large 

amount of tents, four pieces of cannon, and several Imndreii 

muskets. 

17. Early in April, General McClellan, with his araij, 
embarked on board of transports, and proceeded down the 
Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay to Fortress Monroe. 
The troops landed on the peninsula formed by the York 
and James Rivers, and marched towards Yorktown, at 
which place the rebels had collected in strong force, and 
erected formidable batteries. The United States troopa 
threw up fortifications, and prepared for the siege and 
attack. A fierce contest was now looked for, but on the 
night of May 3d, the enemy abandoned his works at York- 
town and Gloucester, and on the 4th, General McClellan 
took passession, and sent his cavalry and horse artillery, 
supported by infantry, in pursuit of the enemy. On the 
same evening the mounted troops came up with the enemy, 
and a brisk conflict ensued. 

18. At daylight on tljie 5th, the enemy were found to bo 
strongly intrenched at Williamsburg. At eight o'clock 
the enemy opened on General Hooker's division, which was 
stationed on the left. During the engagement, the enensy 
captured three of the Federal batteries.* General Hooker's 
division suffered severely, as his troops bore the whole 
brunt of the battle for several hours, before reinforcemenis 
came to their relief. At foui o'clock fresh troops eame uj), 
and General Hancock^s brigade made a brilliant bayonet 
charge, which drove the rebels from the field to their 
entrenchments. During the night these were evacuated, 

* These were recaptured the same day hy Geneva! MeClellan. 



Lincoln's administration. 247 

and General McClellan took possession of them 
the following morning. The same afternoon which 
witnessed the battle of Williamsburg, General Frankliu 
landed with his troops at West Point, and was attacked on 
the following morning. General Newton's brigade was 
actively engaged during the battle. At three o'clock the 
firing ceased and the enemy retreated (May 6th) 

19. The Monitor and other steam vessels made an attack 
on Sewall's Point with shot and shell. The firing was 
briskly returned by the rebel batteries, and kept up for 
several hours. The Merrimac made her appearance, and 
halted some distance from the Monitor. As the latter 
vessel did not attack the Merrimac, and the rebel steamer 
lefused to advance, no engagement took place between the 
ressels, and the Merrimac steamed back to Norfolk. Pre- 
sident Lincoln, who was on a visit to Fortress Monroe, 
witnessed the battle from a tug-boat. On the 10th of May, 
General Wool, with five thousand men from Fortress Mon- 
roe, landed at Willoughby's Point, and marched towards 
Norfolk. At Tanner's Creek a rebel battery had been 
erected on the opposite bank, and near a bridge. The 
)-ebels fired a volley of musketry on the advancing troops, 
and then set fire to the bridge. At five o'clock, the troops 
approached Norfolk, when the mayor sent out a flag of 
truce, and surrendered the city to the United States forces, 
who took possession without having fired a gun. The 
following morning the Merrimac was blown up by the 
rebels, and totally destroyed, and thus was achieved a 
bloodless victory. 

20. A severe cavalry battle took place at Lebanon, 
Tennessee, which resulted in the complete rout of Colonel 
Morgan's band of Rangers. The United States troops 
were led by General Dumont. They followed the rebels 



248 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

mauy miles, an<l surprised them in urn niiiht at 
their quarters in the town. Many were killed, 
and a hundred and sixty-nine prisoners taken. Soon aCtei 
the battle of West Point, the iron-clad gunboats made an 
unsuccessful expedition up the James River, within seven 
miles of Kichmond. At that point there was a heavy 
battery on a high bluff, and the river was obstructed by 
sunken vessels. The gunboats could not elevate their 
cannon sufficiently to reach the battery, and the enterprise 
was therefore abandoned. The large gun of the Naugatuck 
exploded during the action. 

21. On the 18th of May, Suffolk, seventeen miles from 
Norfolk, was occupied by the Union troops, and Sewall's 
Point and Craney Island were abandoned by the ene^ny. 
A severe battle took place at McDowell, Va., between the 
forces under Generals Milroy and Scheuck, and the rehei 
troops under Jackson. The enemy were posted on a 
mountain, down the side of which they rained a perfect 
shower of musket balls. Shortly after dark, the Ohio 
troops made a bayonet charge up the mountain, in the face 
of the enemy's fire, and drove them from their position. 
Finding a strong reserve of rebels on the opposite declivity, 
they fell back. The enemy in the mean time made a flank 
movement, attacking the Union troops on the left. The 
troops fought bravely, but finding the enemy greatly supe- 
rior in force, they retreated in good order, at nine o'clock, 
falling back to Franklin, Pendleton County. 

22. General McClellan, after the battle of West Point, 
steadily advanced towards Richmond. In the latter part 
of May, the troops crossed the Chickahominy, within eight 
miles of the city. On the 24th, three skirmishes took 
place. The rebels were driven from Mechanicsville, seven 
miles from Newbridge, and a body of Louisiana troops were 



Lincoln's administration. 249 

surprised and defeated, upwards of sixty killed, 
and thirty-one prisoners captured. But while these 
successes waited on the Army of the Potomac, that of the 
Shenandoah sustained a sudden and unlooked-for reverse. 
Colonel Kenley, commanding at Front Koyal, was attacked 
by a superior force, under Colonel Ashby. The troops 
made a gallant defence, falling back to the Shenandoah, 
which they crossed, destroying the bridge behind them. 
Here they made a stand, and Knapp's batter}^ mowed down 
the enemy with shell and grape. Colonel Kenley was 
severely wounded in the early part of the battle, but con- 
tinued on horseback until late in the afternoon, when he 
fell exhausted, and was conveyed from the field in an 
ambulance, made prisoner, and, being paroled, was left at 
Winchester. 

23. Early the next morning, the enemy attacked Genera. 
Banks's division in great force. The troops stood their 
ground for some time, but finally retreated through Y/in- 
chester, forming again after leaving the town, and marching 
in good order to Martinsburg (May 25th). The enemy's 
force consisted of Ewell's and Jackson's divisions, amount- 
ing to fifteen thousand, while the Federal troops were less 
than four thousand. The retreat was continued to the 
Potomac, which was crossed at Williamsport, on the evening 
of the 26th. The retreating army was attacked successively. 
and engagements were well contested at Strasburg. Middle- 
ton, Winchester, and Newton. Of a supply train of five 
hundred wagons, but fifty were abandoned, notwithstanding 
a forced march of fifty-three miles, and the vastly superior, 
force of the enemy. 

24. Scarcely had the Confederate army succeeded in 
compelling General Banks to retreat from Virginia, whea 
it commenced a retrograde movement, successively with-. 



250 niSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

drawing from Martinsburg, Cliarlestown, and Win- 
chester. General Fremont, by forced marches, 
orossed the Shenandoah mountain-ranges, and arrived at 
Strasburg, where he met Jackson, with his command, in 
ful) retreat. A skirmish with a portion of the forces 
ensued, during which Jackson withdrew his main army, 
and continued his retreat. 

25. General Halleck, who had succeeded General Hun- 
ter, had been posted in front of Corinth, Mississippi, Beau- 
regard's stronghold. On the 28th of May, three strong 
reconnoitring parties advanced on the right, centre, and 
left of the enemy. Their ground was hotly contested at 
every point, but the enemy was driven back with consider- 
able loss. The following night the rebels evacuated the 
town, and on the 30th, General Pope, with the advance, 
entered and occupied it. In this retreat the enemy aban- 
doned their tents, many thousand stand of arms, and a 
quantity of provisions. They lost a quantity of clothing, 
stores, and two thousand prisoners. 

20. A desperate battle was fought in front of Richmond, 
in which the corps of Generals Sumner, Heintzelman, and 
Keyes were engaged with greatly superior numbers. At 
one o'clock the enemy attacked the Federal troops on the 
right flank. General Casey's division in the first line gave 
way before the overwhelming force of the enemy, and lost 
their guns and baggage. They fell back some distance, 
after a hard-fought battle, lasting more than three hours. 
At half past four o'clock, the enemy had advanced to 
General Couch's line. The battle was renewed with great 
fury, with varied success, lasting until night. The Federal 
troops were frequently broken, but as repeatedly rallied and 
attacked the enemy. The battle was desperately fought 
on both sides, and at the approach of night, both armies 



Lincoln's ad3iinistiiation. 251 

discontinued the contest, and slept on tlie battle- 
' field (May 31st). 

27. The following morning the rebel army still occupied 
the camps of Casey's and Couch's divisions General 
Heintzelman came on the ground early in the morning, 
SLiid consulted with General Hooker on plans for the day. 
About seven o'clock, the rebels commenced firing from the 
difver of a wood on General Hooker's division. The fire 
was promptly returned, but the enemy having the advan- 
tage of their position in the woods, it was resolved to 
dislodge them by a charge of bayonets. The enemy fired 
on the advancing troops when within a hundred feet of 
their line, without, however, doing much damage, and then 
fled precipitately before the fixed bayonets. The rebels 
were driven back for two miles. A hard fight was sus- 
tained by Richardson's brigade before the enemy gave 
v/ay, but they all finally retreated before the overwhelming 
bravery of the Federal troops. At eleven o'clock the firing 
ceased, and the rest of the day was occupied in bringing in 
prisoners and taking care of the wounded (June 1st). 

28. On Monday the Federal troops advanced on the 
enemy, who retreated before them. A slight exchange of 
fire was made, but the rebels offered no serious resistance, 
until within four miles of Richmond, where the advancing 
troops took a stand and threw out pickets. This battle is 
called " Fair Oaks,"* from the station near which it was 
fought. It was one of the severest of the war, and the 
losses on both sides were enormous. 

29. Forts Pillow and Wright, on the Mississippi, which 
had been attacked by the fleet, were evacuated by their 
garrisons. Pensacola, Florida, was also evacuated by the 



Called " Seven Pines" by the enemy. 



252 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

rebel troops, and the city and Fort Barrancas 
came once more under Federal authority. On the 
r)Lh of June, flag-officer Davis arrived at Memphis, on the 
Mississippi. The rebel fleet was lying near the city. An 
engagement ensued, which ended in the rout of the enemy, 
and the capture or destruction of seven vessels. The 
mayor surrendered the city after the engngement. In 
Alabam.a, a detachment from General Mitchell's army, 
under General Negley, drove the enemy from * Winchester 
through *Jasper to ^Chattanooga, and utterly defeated and 
routed them, capturing their baggage-wagons, ammunition, 
and supplies. 

80. General Fremont continued pursuing Jackson's re- 
treating army. On the 7th of June, he arrived at Harri- 
sonburg, driving out the rear of the enemy, and closely 
following. On the 8th, a battle ensued between the re- 
spective forces at "■ Cross Keys," which resulted in the 
rout of Jackson's troops, and their retreat to Port Republic. 
At this place a bridge crosses the Shenandoah, over which 
Jackson intended to continue his retreat. 

31. A detachment from General Shiclds's division was 
sent to hold this bridge, or burn it. In the night, Jack- 
eon's main body, flying before Fremont, planted twenty 
guns in such a position, as to command the bridge and 
overwhelm Colonel Carroll's detachment of sixteen hundred 
men. The Federal troops contested the ground with great 
courage, until, overcome by numbers, they fell back. They 
retreated until they reached General Shields's main body, 
when the enemy crossed the Blue Ridge towards Stan- 
nardville and Gordonsville, on the way to Richmond, 

* Southern part of Central Tennessee. 



1§6». 



o. 



LINCOLN'ri ADMINISTRATION. 253 

The gunboats Conestoga, Mouud City, auJ 
others, ascended the White Iliver, for the purpose 
of removing obstructions, and communicating with the army 
of Greneral Curtis. Colonel Fitch, commander of the forces, 
landed a short distance below St. Charles, where the rebels 
had erected a battery. This was captured at the point of 
the bayonet, with but a very small loss on part of the 
troops. During the cannonading between the fort and the 
gunboats, a shot from one of the batteries struck the steam- 
drum of the Mouud City, causing a fearful explosion, 
scalding and killing the greatest portion of the officers and 
crew. Many sprang into the water, and, while struggling 
for life, were shot by the enemy. After the fearful catas- 
trophe, but twenty-seven out of a hundred and eighty-ona 
men answered to their names at roll-call. 

33. The last week in June witnessed some very important 
movements in the army near Richmond. On the 25th, 
the troops comprising the left wing posted at White Oak 
Swamp, led by General Hooker, advanced against the 
enemy posted on the cleared land nearer the city. A 
severe battle, lasting several hours, with varied success, 
terminated in the triumph of the Federal arms, and the 
occupation of the enemy's works. General McClellan now 
made preparations for drawing in the lines of his army, 
which had been spread out to an extent not deemed prudent, 
in view of the fact that the enemy in Richmond had been 
strongly reinforced. The supplies at the White House on 
the Pamunkey River were removed, being sent by means 
of transports to the James River. On the 26th, the enemy 
m great force crossed the Chickahominy, and attacked 
the Pennsylvania Reserves under General McCall, who 
were stationed at Mechanicsville. Falling back towards 
the position occupied by General Porter, an engagement 
22* 



254 niSTORY OF the united states. 

ensued, lastiDo; till nie;ht, leaving the Federal 
I sea. ' PI 1 

troops masters or the ground. 

34. The battle was renewed early on the following 
morning, the Federal troops having been ordered to with- 
draw gradually from their position. This they did in good 
order, still keeping up a fire on the enemy. After passing 
a wood, they came to an open country near " Gaines's 
Mills," on the Chickahominy. Here they halted, and the 
battle was renewed with great fury. General Porter was 
reinforced by Generals Franklin, Sumner, and Keyes. 
The troops continued the battle, still keeping their ground, 
till night closed the scene. Both sides sustained severe 



35. The troops successfully crossed the Chickahominy 
in the darkness of the night, and the bridges crossing that 
stream were destroyed. During the day (the 28th) no 
serious attack was made by the enemy. The headquarters 
of General McClellan were on the railroad at Savage 
Station. All the sick and wounded who could be moved 
were sent forward to James River. Orders were sent to 
Generals Franklin, Sumner, and Keyes to destroy the 
stores which could not be removed, and to gradually with- 
draw their forces. At midnight the transportation trains 
and artillery commenced moving towards Charles City, and 
soon afterwards were followed by General McClellan, with 
his stair and body-guard. General Smith held his position 
on the Chickahominy until the train had passed. About 
daylight all the troops were in motion, and were followed 
by the rebels, who made an attack on the corps of Sumner 
and Franklin. The battle commenced at two o'clock, and 
continued till dark, when the enemy was repulsed. Tl^if 
battle was near Sava.2e Station (June 29th). 



Lincoln's administration. 255 

36. On the 30th, the enemy, who had been 
reinforced, renewed the attack at the bridge of 
White Oak Swamp. About two o'clock the Union troops 
gave way, and fell back towards Turkey Island bridge, 
where the battle was continued. On the morning of July 
1st, the rebels commenced the attack. The battle lasted 
tf'fee hours, when the enemy retired. At three o'clock 
they again advanced, but being confronted by the gunboats 
and artillery, they left the field to the undisturbed posses- 
sion of the Union troops. The enemy was repulsed with 
great slaughter in this day's contest. The withdrawal of 
McClellan's army from its extended position to a more 
secure base on the James lliver, was now successfully 
accomplished, after seven days of severe and bloody con- 
flict, and a great loss of life. The enemy, greatly superior 
ia numbers, had made desperate attempts to destroy or cap- 
ture the retiring army, but was foiled by the coolness and 
bravery of the Federal troops, from the evacuation of their 
position on the Chickahominy to their final stand on the 
James River. This battle was fought on Malvern Hills. 

37. The United States troops under General Benham, 
on James's Island, near Charleston, S. C, made an attack 
on the secession troops on the IGth of June, and were 
repulsed after four hours' hard fighting, sustaining a severe 
loss. The Army of Virginia was now consolidated, and 
placed under the command of General Pope, the three 
divisions being respectively commanded by Generals Sigel, 
Banks, and McDowell, General Fremont, by request, being 
relieved of his command. By advice of the governors of a 
number of states, the President now issued a proclamation, 
calling into the service of the United States three hundred 
Tiousand additional troops. 

88. On the 17th of T\ily, Congress closed its long and 



2ioG HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES 

arduous session. Many important acts were pass9-' 
by this body, the principal of which were, an in- 
terr-al tax for additional revenue in support of the war, the 
lucognition of the repubhcs of Liberia and Hayti, an act 
confiscating the property of rebels in arms against the 
government, the abolition of slavery in the District of 
Columbia,* and its prohibition in the territories, and acts 
to increase the navy and army. 

39. One of the most perilous expeditions of the war was 
that conducted by General Curtis, who had been sent to 
suppress the rebellion in Arkansas. As the troops sent 
were not reinforced, it became necessary to change their 
base of operations, which was done by General Curtis in a 
long and tiresome march from Bates ville, on the White 
[liver, to Helena, on the Mississippi. In his march he 
was assailed by the enemy, who did all in their power to 
obstruct his progress and destroy his army. A series of 
skirmishes ensued, in all of which the Federal troops were 
victorious, and on the 11th of July, they took possession 
of the town of Helena, terminating their fatiguing march 
111 the wilderness. 

40. General Pope having been appointed to the com- 
mand of the Army of Virginia, adopted a very strict line 
of policy, directing that all disloyal male citizens within 
the army lines should be arrected. Those who took the 
oath of allegiance were permitted to remain, but on their 
refusal were sent to the South beyond the furthest picket 
stations. General Halleck, an oflQcer of great military 
experience, was now appointed to the command oi the 
whole land forces as general-in-chief, and entered on the 
performance of his duties. 

"^ The owners of slaves were compensated by the general gov 
•rnment. 



Lincoln's administration. 257 

41. Mcartin Van Burcn, the eiirhtli President 
i86a. ^ . . . 

of the United States, died at his residence, Kin- 

derhook, N. Y., July 24th, in the 80th year of his age. 
The usual honors were paid to his memory. During the 
month of August, great activity was exhibited in the re- 
cruiting department. New regiments were formed in all 
sections of the loyal states, and the President's call for 
three hundred thousand men was responded to, both in 
city and country, with great alacrity. Large sums were 
subscribed for the payment of bounties to the volunteers, 
besides that furnished to each enlisted soldier by the 
jreneral jrovernment. 

42. On the 9th of August, a severe battle was fought 
between the United States troops commanded by General 
Banks, and the rebel forces under General Jackson. Ge- 
neral Bayard, who, with two regiments of cavalry, had 
been guarding the Ptapidan, reported that the enemy had 
crossed the river in such force that he was compelled to 
retire, which he did slowly, disputing every foot of ground. 
At noon. General Crawford, with his brigade, marched to 
Bayard's relief, and occupied a position seven miles from 
Culpepper Court House, at Cedar Mountain. 

43. At four in the afternoon. General Banks attacked 
the enemy under Jackson and Ewell. The battle wa^ 
commenced with artillery, but two hours afterwards the 
action became general. Between seven and eight o'clock. 
General Pope and General McDowell arrived on the field, 
and, with additional troops, relieved Banks's exhausted 
columns. The firing was kept up until midnight, when it 
ceased, and both armies rested. The loss on both sides 
was considerable. Many officers were killed, and Generals 
A.uger and Geary severely wounded, and General Banks 
disabled at the conclusion of the battle by an accident 



258 HISTORY OF THE UiMTED STATES. 

Nothing was done by either army on the day suc- 
ceeding the battle. On the 11th, General Jackson 
sent a flag of truce for permission to bury his dead remain- 
ing on the field, pending which he escaped with all his 
forces, crossing the Rapidan.* 

4-1. Baton Rouge was assailed by a large body of troops 
led by Breckinridge and Lovell. It was defended by 
Greneral Williams, and the enemy was repulsed after a 
severe contest, in which the brave General Williams and 
other valuable officers were killed. During the battle, the 
iron-clad ram Arkansas was attacked by the gunboat Essex, 
Commander Porter. His shot pierced the side of the 
enemy's vessel, which was abandoned and blown up. 

45. While these events were transpiring, the Army of 
the Potomac, commanded by General McClellan, was moved 
quietly from its position at Harrison's Landing to Williams- 
burg, without loss of a man, or any of its stores or equip- 
ments. The movement was executed with consummate 
mastership. In consequence of this movement, Jackson, 
now reinforced by all the troops who were no longer needed 
in Richmond, endeavored to surprise General Pope, and 
capture or destroy his army, before a coalition with Gene- 
rals Burnside or McClellan could be eifected. General 
Pope, therefore, withdrew his whole command from Cul- 
pepper, and crossed the Rappahannock (August 20th). 

46. On the following day there was considerable skir- 
mishing, and the enemy made a number of attempts to 
cross the river. It was, however, deemed advisable to 
retire farther back, as the rebels were in immense force, 
and the river was no longer tenable. General Pope, 

* Rapidan or Rapid Ann, a biaucli of the Rappahannock River, 
Virginia. 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 2o9 

therefore, moved witli his command to Warrenton, 

and thence along the railroad to Manassas eTunc- 

tion. On the 27th, a severe action took place near Kettle 

Run, between General Hooker's division and the advance 

of E well's division, ending with the defeat of the latter. 

47. On the 29th, a severe battle took place near the old 
battle-field of Bull Run, lasting all day. The Federal 
troops had a decided advantage, driving the enemy from 
the field in the latter part of the afternoon. But being 
reinforced, the enemy advanced, and General McDowell's 
troops were compelled to retreat. General Porter arrived 
at sunset, and checked the enemy's advance, allowing 
McDowell to withdraw with his weary and exhausted 
troops. The next day the whole army fell back to Centre- 
ville, thence to Fairfax, and the following day to Alexandria, 
perfectly exhausted with their harassing retreat. 

48. A junction of the armies under Generals McClellan, 
Pope, and Burnside was now effected. General Pope 
withdrew, and General McClellan was appointed commander 
of the Army of Virginia. Great alarm was felt in every 
portion of country adjacent to this bold advance of the 
rebels. Washington was threatened, and an announcement 
made that the enemy intended the invasion of Maryland 
and Pennsylvania, and the capture of their principal cities. 
In the sixteen battles which marked this retreat of the 
Federal troops, much valuable property was lost, and many 
brave men fell in the attempt to stay the progress of the 
rebel armies, among whom may be enumerated, Generals 
Kearney, Stevens, and Taylor. 

49 The rebel army did not long remain inactive. Their 
first movement was to cross the Potomac at three different 
fords, and march to the fertile portion of Maryland. They 
soon took possession of Frederick, seizing cattle, grain, and 



2G0 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

a great quantity of stores. They then sent a de- 
tachment to Hagerstown, which they occupied, 
threatening an advance into Pennsylvania through the 
fertile meadows and rich pastures of the Cumberland 
V^alley. 

50. On the 14th, a severe battle took place between the 
rebel army which had retreated from Frederick, and the 
advanced forces of General McClellan. The rebel army 
was posted on South Mountain, a part of the Catoctin 
range. The respective divisions of the Federal army were 
commanded by Generals Hooker, Franklin, and Keuo. 
The fire of cannon and musketry was very severe for twc 
hours, when the enemy wavered. A general charge now 
being ordered, the enemy was driven from the mountain 
and through Crampton Gap in a disordered mass, taking 
the road to Boonsboro', pursued by the victors for two 
miles, when darkness closed the contest. The loss was 
heavy on both sides, and the Union troops lost a brave 
oScer, General Reno, who was killed in the early part of 
the engagement. 

51. While this battle was in progress, the post at Har- 
per's Ferry, under command of Colonel Miles, was att^.cked 
by a strong force of the enemy. Cannonading was kept 
up all day, and resumed early the following morning. 
About nine o'clock, Colonel Miles displayed a white flag, 
and surrendered the post to General Jackson. The garri- 
son, more than eleven thousand in number, were paroled, 
and all the arms and stores given up to the rebels. Colonel 
Miles was mortally wounded, and died soon afterwards 
(September 15th). 

52. The threatened invasion of Pennsylvania awakened 
a spirit of patriotism in its inhabitants, and in a short space 
of time fifty thousand militia were arrayed in arms, ready 



LiiNCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 



261 






U^s^^^^ 




BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 



to meet the enemy. In the mean time the great 
186a. -^ ° 

battle of Antietam or Sharpsburg was fought, and 

the enemy abandoned Maryland, thus relieving Pennsyl- 
vania of ail fears of the threatened invasion. The two 
armies met in hostile encounter on the 16th. The whole 
forces of each contending party were arrayed on the banks 
of the Antietam, a deep stream fordable at but few points. 
General Hooker crossed the creek, and attacked the enemy 
on the left, continuing the skirmish while daylight lasted. 
On the 17th, the battle commenced at daylight. The, 
enemy were commanded by Generals Lee, Jackson, Hill, 
and Longstreet, the best commanders in the rebel service. 

53. General Hooker sustained the whole brunt of the 

battle on the enemy's left for four hours, when he was 

severely wounded and compelled to leave the field. General 

Sumner, who held the centre, now took command, and was 

23 



262 HISTORY or the united states. 

joined by General Franklin, with fresh troops. 

The enemy was now vigorously assailed and driven 
back. On the right of the enemy, General Burnside had 
command, and sustained a severe conjQict at the bridge, 
which was finally captured. Once over the creek a strong 
position was carried, but could not be held against the 
numbers brought forward by the enemy. Burnside, how- 
ever, made a gallant stand, maintained his ground till 
darkness came on, when the firing ceased, terminating the 
battle with great loss on both sides. This severe conflict 
commenced at five in the morning and ended at seven in 
the evening, without pause or intermission. 

54. On the night of the 18th, the whole rebel force 
crossed the Potomac, closely pursued by General Pleasanton. 
Harper's Ferry was also evacuated, and the Union troops 
once more took possession of that post, and the adjacent 
heights. The battle of Antietam was considered by both 
parties as more important than any which preceded. On 
its issue depended the fate of Maryland, of Southern Penn- 
sylvania, and the Federal capital. The strength of both 
armies was fully tested, and the rebel army compelled to 
evacuate Maryland. The losses were fearful. By the 
official report of the commanding general, it appears that 
the Union loss in killed, wounded, and missing was twelve 
thousand four hundred and sixty. The estimated loss of 
the enemy twenty-five thousand five hundred and forty 
two. 

55. The city of Natchez was bombarded by Commodor.; 
l^orter with his iron-clad vessel, the Essex, and obliged to 
raise the American flag, and the town of Bayou Sara wa^ 
burned. In Mississippi a battle took place near the village 
of luka, between General Rosecrans and the rebel General 
iVice, which resulted in the rout of the enemy. The 



Lincoln's administration. 2G3 

rebels captured the town of Munifordsville, Ken- 
tucky. The garrison made a gallant defence, but 
were overpowered by superior numbers. Louisville was 
threatened, and great fears for its safety were entertained 
by the inhabitants. General Bragg had gathered a large 
army, and aimed at the subjugation of the whole state. 
But he was closely followed by General Buell, who drove 
him out of Munifordsville, pursued him a long distance, 
and then with his army marched to Louisville, relieving 
the inhabitants from the dread of a rebel attack. 

56. After the battles of Maryland and the invading 
army's evacuation of that state, several reverses befell the 
Union troops. One was the assault on a detachment sent 
to reconnoitre near Shepherdstown, Va., which resulted in 
the defeat of the Federal arms. In this engagement the 
Corn Exchange Regiment of Pennsylvania suffered very 
severely. Other disasters followed, the most mortifying 
of which was a sudden incursion into Pennsylvania by a 
body of rebel cavalry, who captured the towns of Mercers- 
burg and Chambersburg, and escaped with their plunder 
before any troops could harass or intercept them. 

57. Early in October, the enemy under command of Yaa 
Dorn, Price, and Lovell made an attack on the LTnion 
troops at Corinth, Miss. The battle commenced on the 
morning of the 3d, and continued through the day. It 
was renewed on the following morning, the enemy firing 
with shot and shell. At nine o'clock they ceased firing, 
and advanced rapidly in heavy columns on the town. The 
engagement soon became general, the batteries opening a 
destructive fire on the enemy, who, however, pressed for- 
ward with reckless during, broke through the lines of 
infantry, and entered the streets of Corinth. But now the 
Union soldiers, after a desperate conflict, rolled back the 



201: IirSTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tide of battle, and the enemy fled, attacked in 
their retreat by Generals Ord and Hurlbut, and 
closely followed by General Rosecrans. At the Ilatchie 
River the fighting was renewed, and ended with the com- 
plete defeat and dispersion of the rebel army, by General 
Rosecrans and his brave soldiers, who continued the pursuit 
of the flying enemy until recalled by order of Major-General 
Grant. 

58. On the 9th of October, a battle was fought between 
the Union troops under command of General Buell, and 
the rebel troops under General Bragg, at Perryville, Ky. 
The conflict commenced early in the morning, and con- 
tinued through the day with varied success. At sundown, 
however, the tiring ceased, and the enemy withdrew from 
the ground, leaving the Union troops in possession. The 
loss was large on both sides, and, although the enemy 
retired, the Union troops gained no advantages deserving 
the name of victory. After this battle the troops of Gene- 
rals Bragg and Kirby Smith evacuated Kentucky, escaping 
across the mountains into Tennessee. 

59. After the battle of Antietam nothing decisivetook 
place in Virginia for some weeks. The Union army fol- 
lowed the retreating rebel forces from Maryland, and 
several skirniishes and minor engagements occurred. Of 
these we may notice a conflict at Barbus, between cavalry 
troops, resulting in the defeat of the rebels; a successful 
reconnoissance by General Geary; the capture of Warrcnton 
by General Reynolds; and the pursuit of the enemy by 
General Pleasanton. On the 8th of November, th.e govern- 
ment relieved General McClellan from command of the 
army, appointing General Burnside as his successor. 

60. The Army of the South sustained a severe loss in 
the death of Major-General 0. M. Mitchell, its commander 



Lincoln's administration. 265 

He died on the SOth of October, at Beaufort, S. C. 

General Mitchell had rendered very important ser- 
vices during the war, was much beloved by his soldiers, 
and his death was deeply lamented by his gallant army. 
The important commercial town of Galveston, in Texas, 
surrendered to Commodore Renshaw, commander of the 
fleet sent against it. The fort commanding the Sabine 
Pass, on the coast of Texas, was captured by a fleet under 
command of Captain Crocker. After the surrender of the 
fort he landed a party, who, under cover of the guns of the 
steamer, captured two camps, burned a bridge and a large 
number of buildings used as barracks. 

61. In Louisiana, an expedition under command of 
General Weitzel encountered the rebel forces at Labadie- 
ville, and put them to rout after a short contest. Among 
those slain in this battle was the colonel in command of the 
enemy. General Burnside, after his appointment to the 
command of the Army of Virginia, continued to make a 
steady progress. By the middle of November, his large 
army arrived at the Rappahannock, opposite Fredericks- 
burg. On the 21st, by his orders, General Sumner sent 
a communication to the civil authorites demanding the 
surrender of the town, and threatening to shell it should 
the demand be refused, allowing sixteen hours for the 
removal of the women and children. This threat, however, 
was not enforced. 

62. On the reassembling of Congress (December 1st), 
the President in his message presented in forcible language 
the evils which would attend a separation of the states, 
declaring that such a measure " would multiply and not 
mitigate evils among us." With a view, therefore, of pre- 
venting this strife, the President recommended such an 
amendment to the Constitution as would grant a compcnsa- 

23* 



266 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tion to those states wliicli should abolish slavery. 

By a previous Act of Congress and the President's 
Proclamation, the slaves of rebels are declared to be for 
ever free on and after the 1st of January. 

63. The Secretary of the Navy in his annual report, 
after reciting the operations of the naval forces during the 
past year, speaks thus of the depredations of a piratical 
privateer: ''"'With the exception of the rebel armed 
steamer Sumter, no other armed vessel has plundered our 
commerce, or inflicted injury on our countrymen within a 
recent period, when a steamer known as •|'290 or Alabama, 
built and fitted out in England — a vessel that had not been 
in any port or visited any waters but those of Great 
Britain — went forth from the shores of that country rav- 
aging, sinking, burning, and destroying the property of our 
merchants, who were totally unprepared for such assault 
and devastation." 

64. The Secretary of War stated that the portion of the 
United States which had been the scene of military opera- 
tions, was divided into ten departments, and that the entire 
force constituting these armies amounted to more than 
eight hundred thousand men, fully armed and equipped. 
During the year several tribes of Indians of the North- 
West, incited .by rebel emissaries, made a sudden attack 
on the peaceful inhabitants of Minnesota, killing indis- 
criminately men, women, and children. The savages were 
attacked by a volunteer force and defeated in several 
battles on the upper waters of the Minnesota River. 

65. In Mississippi the rebel forces deserted their fortifi- 
cations and fled to Oxford, pursued by the troops belonging 

* Secretary Welles's Official Report, 

f So called from being owned by 290 persons. 



Lincoln's administration. 2G7 

to General Grant's army. In Arkansas a buttle 
ensued between the troops under General Curtis 
and the enemy under General Hindman. General Blunt 
was posted near Cane Hill when attacked by the enemy, 
twenty-five thousand in number, who attempted a flank 
movement to prevent the arrival of General Herron's 
forces, who were approaching by forced marches. The 
following day the enemy attacked General Herron. near 
Fayetteville. The battle continued for three hours, when 
G-eneral Blunt came up, effecting a union with General 
Herron. At night the Union troops remained on the lield, 
and the enemy retreated across the Boston Mountain. 

66. In Hartsville, Tennessee, a battle took place between 
the advanced Union forces and the rebel troops under 
General Morgan, the guerilla leader. The battle lasted 
more than an hour, when Colonel Moore, the leader of the 
Union troops, was compelled to surrender his entire brigade 
to the enemy. On the 8d of December, General Geary, 
with a body of troops, marched from Harper's Ferry upon 
Winchester, and demanded its surrender. The town was 
at once given up. He had skirmishes with the enemy at 
Charlestown and Berryville, compelling them to retreat, 
capturing a number of horses and mules, and taking pos- 
session of a quantity of military stores. 

67. We left General Burnside and the Army of the 
Potomac on the Rappahannock River, opposite Fredericks- 
burg. That vigilant commander had, in the mean time, 
made every preparation for advance, and on the morning 
of the 11th of December, the engineers commenced their 
work on three bridges in front of the city. During the 
progress of the work, the rebels, concealed in houses, opened 
a destructive fire. The Union troops then began a fierce 
cannonading on the city, which had the effect of driving 



268 HISTORY OF tue united states. 



IS63. 



back the assailaots, and the work on the briJirea 
was again commenced. But it was found neces- 
sary to send over a party in boats to dislodge the rebels, 
who had again opened fire. This was effected, the bridges 
completed, and the army began to cross the river, 

68. The following morning the troops continued the 
crossing, and soon had possession of Fredericksburg. The 
enemy, posted on a ridge, opened a fire on the troops in the 
city, but their battery was silenced, and firing ceased for 
the day. On the 13th a general attack was made on the 
enemy, who were posted on a range of hills near the city. 
On the right. General Sumner sent General French's divi- 
sion to assail the enemy's works in the rear of the city. 
When the troops emerged from the streets, the enemy's 
batteries opened on them with a terrific fire. The troops, 
however, steadily advanced until within a short distance 
of the crest of hills on which were the enemy's breastworks. 
Here a perfect storm of shot and shell hailed upon them, 
checking further advance. They, however, maintained 
their ground till their ammunition was expended, when 
they were relieved by General Hancock's division. 

69. The battle-ground was held for two hours by General 
Hancock's troops, who were in turn relieved by General 
Howard. His troops behaved with the gallantry which 
marked the brave men who preceded them, but it did not 
avail against the strong position and deadly fire of the 
enemy. General Franklin, who commanded the attack on 
the left, was more successful, driving the enemy some 
distance, and capturing several hundred prisoners.* The 
battle was continued with great daring and courage, until 

* General Reynolds, of Franklin's army corps, commenced the 
battle. 



Lincoln's administration. 2C9 

durkness closed over the combatants. The Union 

18653. 

troops lost a large number in killed and wounded. 
Among the oflScers who fell were General Bayard, of the 
rinited States cavalry, and General Jackson, of the Penn- 
sylvania Reserves. 

70. After the battle of Fredericksburg, and the failure 
of the Union forces in dislodging the rebels from their 
strongholds, General Burnside removed his whole army 
across the Rappahannock. This movement was commenced 
in the night of December 15th, and accomplished success- 
fully, and without the loss of a single man. General 
Burnside, in a letter to the general-in-chief, states the 
causes of failure, exonerates the government from blame, 
and assumes all the responsibility. He states that the 
number of killed was eleven hundred and fifty-two, wounded 
seven thousand, a large number slightly, and nine hundred 
prisoners, who were paroled and exchanged for an equal 
number taken from the enemy. 

Questions on Events of 1862. — 1. What battle ia Kentucky? 
Give a description. Who was killed? 

2. What fort on the Tennessee River was attacked? To whom 
was the surrender made? What occurred after the capture? 
How were the troops received? What death is recorded? Why 
was Senator Bright expelled? 

3. What was done by General Burnside ? Who commanded the 
fleet? What battle ensued ? Who commanded the detachments ? 
What were captured ? What was done by Commodore Goldsbo- 
rough ? 

4. What towns were surrendered ? What fort was attacked ? 
By whom was it taken ? 

5. How many prisoners were taken? Who commanded the 
Federal troops ? What is said of Floyd ? Of Nashville ? What 
wa,s done by the division under General Banks? By ColoneJ 
Geary ? 

6. When and where was a naval battle ? By what vessels was 



270 HISTORY or the united states. 

the United States fleet attacked? What was done by the Mcrri- 
m>ac ? What is said of the Minnesota ? What vessel came to its 
assistance ? 

7. Describe the contest of March 9th. What vessels were lost 
to the United States? What is said of the Monitor? 

8. What towns -were captured by Commodore Dupont ? What 
forts? Who commanded the Army of the South-West? What 
generals were opposed to him ? When and where did the battle 
commence? To what place was it transferred? How long did it 
continue, and with what result? 

9. What places were abandoned in Virginia ? Who commanded 
the rebel troops in the battle near Strasburg? The Federal 
troops ? What number on each side ? Describe the battle. 

10. What place was evacuated^ March loth? Where was a 
strong fortification ? Why was it so named ? What was done by 
Commodore Foote ? By General Pope ? How long did the siege 
continue? What were captured? 

11. What was done by General Burnside ? Describe the battle. 
What were captured ? How did the chief part of the rebels es- 
cape? By whom were the Federal troops commanded? What 
town was evacuated ? 

12. What is said of St. Augustine? Who took possession? 
What is said of Fort Marion ? Jacksonville ? What was done by 
Johnston and Beauregard ? What division was first attacked ? 
What is said of General Sherman's division ? General McCler- 
nand's division ? What was done by the gunboats that evening ? 
What was the numerical force of each army ? 

13. Who renewed the battle the following day? What wag 
done by General Nelson? General Buell ? General Grant? 
What was the result ? What generals were killed ? Who was 
made prisoner ? 

14. What forts were bombarded and taken? What city was 
surrendered ? To what naval officer ? Who took military posses- 
sioa ? What is said of Baton Rouge ? 

15. What had the enemy done to prevent the passage of the fleet ? 
What forts were bombarded ? What was done by Commodore 
Farragut ? Who continued the assault on the forts ? When were 
they surrendered? In what did the naval engagement result? 

16. Belatc the achievements of General Mitchell. General Pope. 



Lincoln's administration. 271 

17. What Wits done by General McClellan early in April? 
V>'here did tiie troops land? What had the enemy done ? What 
preparations were made by the United States troops? What took 
place in the night of May 3d ? What did General McClellan do 
the next day ? 

18. Where were the enemy intrenched ? Which division was 
attacked ? Describe the battle. What Avas done by General 
Hancock's brigade ? What occurred that night? The following 
morning? Where did General Franklin land? Whose brigade 
was actively engaged ? What did the enemy do? 

19. Give an account of an attack on Sewall's Point. What is 
said of the Merrimac? What is said of President Lincoln? 
What was done by General Wool ? Describe the march and its 
result. What became of the ^^errimac ? 

20. What is said of the battle at Lebanon ? What was done by 
the gunboats on the James River? What prevented their suc- 
cess ? What occurred during the action ? 

21. What town was captured ? What places abandoned by the 
enemy? Describe the battle at McDowell. Who commanded the 
forces ? To what place did the United States troops fall back ? 

22. What did General McClellan do after the battle of West 
Point ? What river was crossed by the troops ? What took place 
at Front Royal? Who commanded ? Describe the battle. What 
is said of Colonel Kenley ? 

23. Whose division was attacked the following morning ? Who 
commanded the enemy ? Describe the retreat. Where did en- 
gagements take place during the retreat ? What number of troops 
had the enemy? General Banks? What is said of the losses? 
How many miles did the army retreat ? 

24. What is said of the Confederate army ? What was done by 
General Fremont? By Jackson ? 

25. Where was General Halleck ? Relate the events of May 
28th. What was done by the rebels? What did they lose? 

26. What battle was fought ? What generals were engaged in 
the contest? Describe the battle. 

27. Where was the rebel army the following morning? When 
was the battle renewed? What was done by the troops under 
General Hooker? Describe the charge. What is said of Richard- 
son's brigade ? Of the enemy ? The Federal troops ? 



272 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

28 Give an account of Monday's battle. What is this battle 
called ? What is said of it ? 

29. What forts and city were evacuated ? What is said of Fort 
Barrancas? Where did flag-officer Davis arrive in June? What 
engagement ensued ? What was done by the mayor ? What was 
done by General Negley ? 

30. Describe the operations of General Fremont. When and 
where was a battle? To what place did the rebels retreat? 
What bridge was here ? 

31. Who sent a detachment to guard the bridge? AVhat was 
done by Jackson's army ? Who commanded the Federal troops ? 
What was the number in Carroll's detachment ? How far did 
they retreat, ? ¥/hat was now done by the enemy ? 

32. What river was ascended by gunboats ? For what purpose? 
What was done by Colonel Fitch? What fearful disaster occurred? 
How many were killed by this explosion ? 

33. What is said of the battle of White Oak Swamp? What 
did General McClellan now do? The enemy? What battle 
ensued ? 

34. What was now done by the Federal troops ? Describe the 
battle of Gaines's Mills. 13y whom was General Porter rein- 
forced ? 

35. Describe the further movements of the troops. What was 
done with the sick and wounded? Describe the retreat, and the 
oattle near Savage Station. 

36 At what place did the enemy commence the attack? To 
what place did the Union troops withdraw? Describe the battle 
of Malvern Hills. What is said of General McClellan's with- 
drawal ? 

37. Describe the battle of James's Island. Under whom was 
the Army of Virginia placed? Who commanded the divisions^ 
How many additional troops were now called into service by the 
President? 

38. What important acts were passed during the session of Con- 
gress? What is said of the slave-owners? (Note.) 

39. Who was sent to suppress rebellion in Arkansas ? Describe 
Lis retreat. 

40. What was directed by General Pope? What is said of 
General Halleck ? 



Lincoln's administration. 273 

41. When and at what age did Martin Van Buren die? What 
is said of recruiting ? What inducements were offered recruits? 

42. Where did a battle take phace ? Who commanded the re- 
spective forces ? Who commanded the cavalry ? What general 
came to his relief? 

43. Describe tlie battle of Cedar Mountain. Name all tlio 
generals of divisions. What officers were wounded ? What was 
done by General Jackson ? 

44. By whom was Baton Rouge assailed ? By whom defended ? 
Describe the naval engagement, 

45. Describe General McClellan's movements. Jackson's. What 
did General Pope do ? 

46. What occurred at the Rappahannock ? To what places did 
General Pope remove ? What battle took place ? 

47. Describe the battle near Bull Run. What is said of Gene- 
ral Porter ? To what place did the army move on the day fol- 
lowing? Where did the retreat terminate? 

48. What junction was effected? Who succeeded General Pope 
as commander? What places were threatened? How many 
battles had occurred during General Pope's retreat ? What gen- 
erals were killed ? 

49. What did the rebel army now do ? What towns did they 
capture ? 

50. Where did a battle take place ? Who commanded the divi- 
sions of the Federal army ? Describe the battle. What is said 
of General Reno ? 

51. What strong post was attacked? By whom was it surren- 
dered ? How many became prisoners ? 

52. What effect was produced in Pennsylvania? What great 
battle followed ? What was done by General Hooker on the IGth ? 
When did the battle commence on the 17th? Who commanded 
the enemy ? What is said of them ? 

53. What is said of General Hooker ? Sumner ? Franklin ? 
Describe General Burnside's movements. When did this battle 
commence, and when terminate ? 

54. What was done on the night of the 18th? By whom were 
the rebels pursued? What places were now occupied by the 
Union troops? What is said of the battle? What were the esti- 
mated losses ? 

24 



274 nrsTORY of the united states. 

55. What occurred at Natchez ? What battle in Mississippi ? 
Name the commanders. What town was captured by the rebels * 
What was done by General Cragg ? General Buell ? 

56. Where were the troops defeated ? What regiment suffered 
most ? Describe the rebel incursion into Pennsylvania. 

57. When and where was an attack made on the Union troops ? 
By what generals ? Describe the battle. By whom were the 
rebels attacked in their retreat? By whom followed? Where 
was the battle renewed ? By whom were the troops recalled ? 

58. What battle took place ? Who commanded ? Describe the 
battle. What troops evacuated Kentucky ? 

59. What took place in Virginia after the battle of Antietam ? 
Who succeeded General McClellan in command of the army ? 

60. When and where did General Mitchell die ? What places 
were captured in Texas? Name the commanders. 

61. Give an account of General Weitzell's expedition. What 
was done by orders from General Burnside ? V;hat was threat- 
ened ? 

62. What did the President recommend ? 

63. What is said of the Alabama ? By what other name is 
that vessel known ? Why was it so called ? (Note.) 

64. What statement is made by the Secretary of War? Give 
an account of the Indians of the i'^orth-West. What state suffered 
most ? 

65. What took place in Mississippi? Describe the battle of 
Fayetteville. Who commanded the armies? Name the Union 
generals engaged ? 

66. What was the result of the battle in Hartsville ? Wliat was 
done by General Geary ? What skirmishes was he engaged in ? 

67. What did General Burnside do ? Describe tlie crossing of 
the river. 

68. What city was taken? Wliat was done by the enemy? 
When was a general attack made? Who assailed on the right? 
Describe the battle. Who came to French's relief? 

69. Who relieved General Howard? Who commanded on the 
left ? Who commenced the battle ? What officers were killed ? 

70. What did General Burnside do after the battle ? What 
number were killed, wounded, and prisoners ? 



Lincoln's administration. 275 



EVENTS OF 1863. 

1. The western portion of Virginia having dis- 
sented from the act of secession, and separated 
from that part in rebellion against the general government, 
adopted a constitution, and asked for admission into the 
Union as an independent state. This request was assented 
to by both Houses of Congress, and West Virginia became 
the thirty-fifth state. The new state at the time of its 
admission comprised forty-eight counties, generally settled 
after the Revolution by emigration from Virginia and North 
Carolina. 

2. The 1st of January was ushered in with the din of 
battle at Murfreesboro', Tenn. General Rosecrans had 
attacked the enemy on the 31st of December 1862, and 
the battle was renewed on the two following daj's. On the 
3d the enemy retreated, and General Rosecrans and his 
gallant troops occupied Murfreesboro'. The rebel General 
Forrest was defeated by General Sullivan at Hunt's Cross 
Roads, Tenn., January 1st. General Sherman, with land 
and naval forces, made an attack on Vicksburg and carried 
the intrenchments, but, finding that his forces were inade- 
quate to reducing the strongholds of the city, withdrew, 
and returned to the White river. His loss in the attack 
on Vicksburg was about three thousand in killed, wounded, 
and missing. Galveston, Texas, was recaptured by the 
rebels, who also seized a fine steamer, the Harriet Lane. 

3. On the 14th of January a fleet of iron-clads attacked 
Arkansas Post, and after a brisk fire silenced its guns. 
Next day it was surrendered to Admiral Porter, commander 
of the fleet, and General M^iClernaud of the land forces. 



27G HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

General Burnside having asked to be relieved from 
commanding the Army of the Potomac, the govern- 
ment granted his request and conferred the command on 
General Hooker. 

4. The rebel General Pryor crossed the Blackwater river, 
N. C. (Jan. 28), with infantry, cavalry, and artillery. He 
was met by General Corcoran, and a battle ensued, lasting 
more than two hours, when the enemy retreated. The 
rebel force then took a position two miles from the first 
battle-field, but were dislodged and again compelled to 
retreat. The fleet blockading Charleston was attacked by 
the rebel iron-clad rams, one of which inflicted serious injury 
on the Mercedita and Keystone. But the latter threw 
broadside after broadside against the rebel craft, which 
retreated on the approach of other vessels of the blockading 
squadron, and effected her escape. 

5. In February the rebels with a strong body of forces 
assailed Fort Donaldson, but were repulsed with great loss 
and compelled to retreat, and during the same month, a 
number of engagenjents and skirmishes took place. During 
the month of March, a naval expedition under Commodore 
Farragut, and troops commanded by General Banks, com- 
menced an attack on Port Hudson. On the night of the 
15th, the fleet passed the batteries. The steamer Missis- 
sippi in attempting to pass the batteries ran aground, and 
was abandoned and burned 

6. An attack was made on Charleston and its harbor 
defences by the iron-clad vessels under Admiral Dupont, 
exhibiting the most terrific firing on record in the annals 
of naval warfare. The preparations being made, the fleet 
moved towards the enemy's batteries. The Weehawken 
approached within five hundred yards of Fort Moultrie, 



Lincoln's administration. 277 

when the enemy commenced the action. The 
flag-ship Ironsides approached within twelve hun- 
dred yards of Fort Sumter and was obliged to anchor. 
The four monitors leading the advance still kept on their 
way, sustaining the fire from every battery of the enemy, 
which poured out a vast sheet of flame and smoke, extend- 
ing from Morris's to Sullivan's Islands, while^'a torrent of 
shot and shell was incessantly poured on the squadron. 

7. The vessels returned the fire from their batteries, and 
kept on their way until stopped by the obstructions placed 
in the harbor by the rebels. Several attempts were made 
to pass these obstructions without effect, when the four 
vessels turned back down the harbor, sustaining a heavy 
fire, and responding to it. The other vessels which had 
been held in reserve, now came to the relief of the harassed 
monitors, and received the heavy fire of the enemy. In 
obedience to a signal from the flag-ship, all the monitors 
returned, and the whole fleet removed out of range of the 
enemy's batteries. One vessel, the Keokuk, was so badly 
injured as to be abandoned by her crew the day succeed- 
ing the battle, being in a sinking condition. 

8. General Gilmore attacked a strong place near Somer- 
set, Kentucky, and after a battle of five hours gained a 
complete victory, compelling the rebel troops to evacuate 
the central portion of the state. General Foster was be- 
sieged at Washington, N. C, by a strong body of rebels. 
He effected his escape through the blockading fleet in the 
steamer Escort, with the intention of bringing up reinforce- 
ments. The enemy soon after raised the siege and retired. 

9. In the latter part of April, General Hooker, now com- 
manding the army of the Potomac, sent General Stonemau 
with a body of cavalry across the Rappahannock, with 
orders to march towards Richmond, and cut off all commu- 

24* 



278 HISTORY OF the united states. 

nication between the rebel capital and tlielr army 
in the field. In the mean time, General Hooker 
with the main body of the army crossed the Eappahannock 
and Rapidan rivers, encamping at Chancellorville. General 
Sedgwick crossed the river opposite Fredericksburg, and 
after a severe engagement stormed the heights. 

10. On the 2d of May, the battle of Chancellorville was 
commenced between the army of the Union, commanded 
by General Hooker, and the rebel army under command 
of General Lee. An attack was commenced on the rebels 
intrenched about six miles from Fredericksburg, by General 
Sykes's division of regulars. The advance was driven back 
to Chancellorville, and the enemy held in check by the 
Seventh Ohio, and the Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania regi- 
ments. The rebels retired, but soon after made an attack 
on the right of the Union troops. They were met by 
General Geary's division and routed, after a fierce struggle. 

11. The next day the battle was resumed, and became 
general. The rebels advanced steadily and with persistent 
bravery, but the Union batteries cut them down with great 
slaughter, compelling the survivors to retire. The large 
mansion at Chancellorville used as General Hooker's head- 
quarters, was set on fire by shells from the enemy, and the 
general himself was severely hurt by some falling timber, 
60 that the command for a time devolved on General Couch. 
The Union troops then fell back for about a mile, when 
they made a stand behind strong intrenchments. This 
battle was a fiercely contested one, attended with great loss 
of life in both armies. Major-General Berry was killed, 
while gallantly leading his division. General Whipple was 
mortally wounded, and died soon after the battle. 

12. On the 4th, the rebels in large force attacked General 
Sedgwick in Fredericksburg, pressing him at all points, and 



Lincoln's administration. 279 

though he repulsed them with great slaughter, yet 
their overwhelming numbers rendered it impossi- 
hie for him to hold his position, and he therefore determined 
to recross the river. In this attempt he succeeded, though 
harassed by the enemy during the retreat, and immediately 
marched to the United States Ford to reinforce General 
Hooker. But the commander abandoned the further prose- 
cution of his enterprise, and at night recrossed with his 
whole army, and occupied the same position as formerly, on 
the north bank of the Rappahannock. 

13. Greneral Stoneman, in pursuance of orders, penetrated 
the enemy's country to the intrenchments of Richmond, 
destroyed bridges, railroads, and commissary stores. He 
also captured large numbers of horses, and liberated the 
slaves of rebels in arms against the government. The near 
approach to. Richmond struck great terror to the few re- 
maining inhabitants, and General Stoneman could have 
captured the city without difficulty. But as his force was 
inadequate to hold it, it was deemed advisable to return, as 
the object of the expedition was accomplished. 

14. In General Hooker's general orders, issued after the 
events we have recorded, he says : " We have taken from 
the enemy five thousand prisoners, fifteen colors, captured 
and brought off seven pieces of artillery, disabled eighteen 
thousand of his chosen troops, captured prisoners within 
the fortifications of his capital, and filled his country with 
fear and consternation." In the battle of Chancellorville, 
the rebel general " Stonewall" Jackson was mortally 
wounded, and died soon afterwards, 

16. While these events were occurring. General U S. 
Grant was successfully engaged in Mississippi. He captured 
Grand Gulf and Port Gibson. Soon after, Jackson, the 
state capital, fell into his hands. A detachment of his army 



280 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

under General McPherson, captured the town of 

1 863. . 

Raymond, after a battle lasting two hours. An- 
other victory was gained by General Grant at Baker's 
Creek, twenty-six miles from Vicksburg (May 16th). The 
battle lasted five hours, and resulted in the defeat of the 
enemy at every point, with a loss of more than two thou- 
sand killed or wounded. 

16. Admiral D. D. Porter co-operated with General 
Grant in the attack on Yicksburg; captured Haines's Bluif, 
and a number of forts and defences of the most formidable 
description. Another severe battle was fought on the Big 
Black river, between Grant's forces and the rebels com- 
manded by General Pemberton. The enemy fought in 
rifle-pits, which were carried by General Lawless's brigade, 
and a large number of prisoners were captured. Pemberton 
now retreated to Vicksburg, which city was soon after 
closely invested by the army under General Grant, and 
the fleet commanded by Admiral Porter. 

17. An expedition sent by Rear-Admiral Porter up the 
Yazoo under command of Lieutenant Walker, met with 
complete success. The commander captured the forts and 
destroyed three powerful steam-rams at Yazoo City. The 
Navy Yard was also destroyed, and a laige amount of pro- 
perty captured. About the same time, the Union gunboat 
Cincinnati was destroyed by the rebel batteries near Vicks- 
burg. 

18. While the siege of Yicksburg was in progress, 
General Banks with a large force landed near Port Hudson, 
the only other remaining stronghold of the rebels on the 
Mississippi river. On the 22d of May a battle lasting 
nine hours was fought, between the Union forces under 
General Augur and the rebels commanded by General 
Garduer. The rebels were defeated with severe loss and 



Lincoln's administration. 281 

pursued for three miles, when General Augur and 
his troops rested on the field. 

19. An attack was made on the enemy's works at Port 
Tliidson, which resulted in the repulse of the assailing 
party. In this battle, the Louisiana regiments of colored 
troops exhibited a great degree of bravery, showing them- 
selves to be fully equal to the white soldiers in courage, 
endurance, and fortitude. General Banks, in his official 
report, spoke in the highest terms of their heroism and 
efficiency. 

20. But the sieges of Vicksburg and Port Hudson were 
lost sight of, for a time, in the excitement caused by the 
invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and the danger 
which threatened Washington. In May a large body of 
Ewell's rebel troops left Fredericksburg, and early in June 
Longstreet's corps moved up to the support of Ewell. Hill's 
corps remained for some time at Fredericksburg, while 
General Hooker with his army was at Falmouth on the 
Rappahannock. A severe cavalry engagement took place 
at Beverly's Ford, or Brandy Station, between the troops 
of General Pleasanton and General Stuart, in which the 
rebels were defeated. 

21. General Lee and the main rebel army now moved 
up the Rappahannock, occupied the gaps of the Blue Ridge, 
captured Winchester, and crossed the Potomac into Mary- 
land. General Milroy made a brave defence at Winchester, 
hut, being surrounded by superior numbers, cut his way 
through the rebel forces, and reached Harper's Ferry. 
Lee's movements were closely watched by General Hooker, 
and Washington and Baltimore were protected from the 
a.ssault of the invaders. 

22. On the 25th of June, General Hooker requested to 
be relieved of the command of the army. His request was 



282 HISTORY OF the united states. 

complied with, and Major-General George G. Meade 
succeeded liim. On assuming the command, Gene« 
r;il Meade found the rebel general with a powerful force 
invading Pennsylvania, and threatening its capital. The 
enemy successively occupied Hagerstown, Green Castle, 
Chambersburg, Carlisle, York, and Gettysburg. At 
Wrightsville on the Susquehanna, the bridge crossing the 
river was burned by the militia to prevent the passage of 
the enemy, and Harper's Ferry was abandoned. 

23. Great preparations were made by the states of Mary- 
land, New York, New Jerse}^ and Pennsylvania to repel 
the invaders. On the 30th of June, a body of troops was 
concentrated at Gettysburg under General Reynolds. On 
the 1st of July, a severe contest took place, when the rebels 
were driven back, but the brave General Reynolds was 
killed during the engagement. General Howard then took 
command, and the battle raged with great fury. The rebels 
were twice repulsed, but coming again to the charge with 
numbers greatly superior to the Union troops, the latter 
were compelled to retreat. They fell back to the cemetery 
and adjoining hills, and encamped in a strong position. 

24. General Meade now brought up the reserves, and, on 
the 2d, the enemy commenced a fierce attack at four o'clock 
in the afternoon. The Union troops occupied the cemetery, 
which is on the slope of a hill a short distance from the 
town of Gettysburg. The Third Army Corps was pressed 
very hard by the rebel forces, but was finally relieved by 
the Second and Fifth Corps. The battle was now continued 
with great fury and without intermission, until eight o'clock, 
when the enemy gave way and fell back to his old position. 
A fierce charge was now made against the weakened lines 
of the right wing, but reinforcements came up and tha 



LINCOLN S ADMINISTRATION. 283 

rebels fell back. The battle continued until ten 
o'clock, when both armies rested. 

25. At four o'clock on the morning of the 3d, General 
81ocum, commanding the Twelfth Army Corps, commenced 
the battle by a terrific fire on the rebels commanded by 
General Ewell. For six hours the battle raged with cease- 
less fury. The rebels advanced with yells and shouts, and 
hurled their solid masses against the Union troops. But 
the latter stood their ground, and repelled the fury and 
fierceness of the enemy. At ten o'clock, General Slocum 
had repulsed the rebels at every point, and regained his 
original position. The battle ceased at eleven o'clock, and 
was succeeded by a solemn stillness resting on the living 
and the dead. 

26. At two o'clock Lee opened a fire of artillery against 
the troops posted on Cemetery Hill, which was responded 
to by all the Union batteries in range. This most dreadful 
cannonading continued for two hours, when the rebel in- 
fantry rushed to attack the Union forces. The attack was 
first made on the troops commanded by General Webb. 
The steady fire of his troops staggered the enemy, and 
drove them back with great slaughter. The enemy now 
withdrew from the field, and the battle of Gettvsburo; was 
ended. The following day (the 4th), Lee commenced his 
retreat. General Meade started in pursuit, and on the 12th 
Ibuud the enemy at Williamsport on the Potomac. Here 
Lee threw a pontoon bridge across the river and escaped 
into Virginia. 

27. The rejoicings over this victory had not subsided, 
when the official intelligence of the surrender of Vicksburg 
was received by the government. This took place July 
4th, adding another great historical event to those already 
associated with the memories of our national holiday. 



284 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

*The surrender made to General Grant was uncon- 
ditional. By the terms of capitulation arranged by 
himself and General Pemberton, there were surrendered 
thirty-one thousand prisoners, two hundred and twenty 
cannon, and seventy thousand small arms. The commander 
of the rebel forces at Port Hudson, General Gardner, finding 
his post no longer tenable, surrendered it unconditionally 
(July 8th). This surrender divided the rebel Confederacy 
iuto two parts, and restored to the Union the entire control 
of the great river Mississippi. 

28. Another battle took place on the 4th of July. 
General Prentiss, commander of the Union forces in Arkan- 
sas, encountered the rebel forces at Helena, and utterly 
routed them after a brisk engagement. In Tennessee the 
Union troops captured Shelby ville, and drove the rebels 
before them. The latter, in the early part of July, occu- 
pied Tullahoma, but on the arrival of the Union forces, 
abandoned their position and retreated toward Alabama. 

29. After the surrender of Vicksburg, General Sherman 
besieged the enemy at Jackson. A number of sharp en- 
gagements ensued, during which the city was partially 
destroyed from the shells thrown by the besiegers. On the 
night of July 16th, General Johnston, the rebel commander, 
evacuated the post, and retreated with his army. General 
Sherman, with a portion of his troops, then occupied the 
deserted city. 

30. The states of Ohio and Indiana were harassed dur- 
ing the early part of the summer, by the depredations of 
a guerilla band under the notorious Morgan. On July 26tli 
a severe engagement took place, between Morgan's troops 

* General Grant commenced siege operations on land, May 23d 
1862, while Admiral Porter from the river bombarded the enemy's 
works. 



Lincoln's administration. 2^ 

and those of General Shackleford, near Salinevillo, 
Ohio. Morgan's forces were repulsed, and Morgan 
and the principal part of his troops made prisoners. 

31. The President of the United States now called for 
a draft of 300,000 men to recruit the army. The drafting 
commenced in July, and received the cheerful acquiescence 
of the people. In some places there was slight opposition, 
but in the city of New York, a large mob of rioters attacked 
the officers, drove them away, overpowered the police, bid 
defiance to all authority, and for three days had undisturbed 
po.ssession of the city. Colonel O'Brian was murdered, 
several unoffending men were hung, and an Orphan Asylum 
burned. The riot was at last quelled by the military, who 
charged on the rioters, killed a number, and restored order. 

32. Preparations were now made for an attack on Charles- 
ton and its defences. General Gilmore commanded the 
land forces of the expedition. In the early part of July, 
he landed his troops on Morris Island, and commenced an 
attack on Fort Wagner. He also commenced the bombard- 
ment of Fort Sumter, poured a mass of shot and shell, bat- 
tered down its walls, and made it a mass of ruins. The 
siege of Fort Wagner was steadily continued, until the 6th 
of September. The rebel garrisons of the fort, and also 
Battery Gregg, evacuated their posts during the night, and 
on the following day they were occupied by Gilmore's troops. 

33. In the attack on the rebel forts, the fleet of iron- 
clads commanded by Admiral Dahlgren, took an active 
part. In the attack on Fort Wagner, no damage was sus- 
tained by the vessels, excepting that a ball from Fort Wag- 
ner broke through the lining of the pilot-house, and killed 
two valuable officers, Captain Rogers and Paymaster Wood- 
bury. The bombardment of Charleston now commenced, 
and was continued at intervals during the year. Fort Suni- 

25 



286 EISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

ter, thoujzh its walls were battered down, refused 

1863. , 1 . -, , \ 

to surrender, and continued to make a show oi 
resistance. In the latter part of December, Charleston was 
set on fire by shells thrown into the city, and twelve build- 
ings were destroyed before the conflagration was checked. 

84. In July, an expedition commanded by General Sib- 
ley was sent against the Sioux Indians, in Dacotah Terri- 
tory. Three battles were fought, the Indians routed and 
driven across the Missouri river, with the loss of all their 
stores. '^ Little Crow," their chief, was killed, and his son 
taken prisoner. These successes ended the hostilities with 
the Indians in Dacotah. 

35. In the month of August, the town of Lawrence, in 
Kansas, was attacked by guerillas, who destroyed it by fire, 
and murdered the unarmed and helpless citizens. The 
leader of the band placed guards to prevent the escape of 
citizens, and the work of massacre, pillage, and destruction 
commenced. Soon after the raid. General James Lane 
collected forces, and attacked the rebels and put them to 
fiight. Upwards of forty of the robbers were killed in the 
engagement. 

36. When General Lee with the rebel army crossed the 
Potomac after the battle of Gettysburg, he continued his 
retreat through the Shenandoah Valley, and the mountain 
passes of the Blue Ridge, to the south bank of the Rapidan. 
General Meade followed the retreating enemy, crossing the 
river at Harper's Ferr}'-, and marching through Berlin and 
Warrenton to Culpepper Court House. At Manassas 
Gap, an engagement ensued between the rebels and General 
Spinola's brigade. The enemy was routed by a charge 
from the Union troops, and driven some distance, and dis- 
lodged from heights which they had occupied. General 
Meade with the main army now came up; and preparations 



J 



Lincoln's administration. 287 

were made for a general battle. But during the 
night the enemy disappeared from the scene of 

conflict. General Spinola was severely wounded in the 

battle. 

37. Skirmishes between detachments of the two armies 
were of frequent occurrence, the first of importance occur- 
ring in October, at Bristoe Station. General Meade moved 
his army from Culpepper, to the north side of the Rappa- 
hannock. On the march, the rear guard was attacked by 
the rebels. After a spirited contest, the enemy was re- 
pulsed. Another engagement ensued (Oct. 19), between 
the rebel cavalry and the Union forces at Buckland Mills. 
The rebel forces were defeated and driven to Gainesville, 
at which place troops in great force were drawn up in line 
of battle. A battle ensued, in which the Union troops lost 
two hundred men, and a number of wagons and valuable 
documents. 

38. In November, *" Generals Sedgwick and French, 
attacked the enemy at Rappahannock Station and Kelly's 
Ford, captured several redoubts, four guns, eight battle 
flags, and about two thousand prisoners. After this battle, 
the enemy retreated to his old position, south of the Rapi- 
dun." Shortly after. General Meade with his whole army 
crossed the Rapidan, and advanced on the enemy. It was 
found, however, that he was intrenched behind very for- 
midable works, from which it would have taken time and 
great loss of life to dislodge him. It was therefore deemed 
advisable to fall back to the old position, on the line of the 
Orange and Alexandria Railroad. 

89. General Rosecrans, commander of the Army of the 
Cumberland, after the enemy abandoned Tullahoma, pur- 
sued his retreatino- forces. General Braa's: now crossed the 



Official report of General Halleck. 



288 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Cumberland Mountains and the Tennessee river, 

1 863 

and made a stand at Chattanooga, which he forti- 
fied, and threw up defensive works at the crossings of the 
river. 

40. In August, General Rosecrans arrived at the Ten- 
nessee river, and commenced his attack on Chattanooga. 
Bridges were prepared, and the army, excepting the cavalry, 
crossed the river in the face of the enemy. General Thomas, 
and Generals McCook and Crittenden, seized the passes on 
Lookout Mountain, and thus threatened the enemy in 
Chattanooga. That position was soon abandoned by the 
rebels, and General Crittenden took possession. General 
Rosecrans, with the remainder of the army, now pressed 
through the passes of Lookout Mountain and Mission 
Ridge. 

41. While these events were transpiring in the Army of 
the Cumberland, General Burnside was actively engaged 
in East Tennessee. He occupied Knoxville and Kingston, 
and, by a rapid movement on Cumberland Gap, cut off the 
retreat of the garrison, which had been attacked by a body 
of troops from Kentucky. He compelled the surrender of 
the post, and captured fourteen cannon and two thousand 
prisoners. Other posts were captured, and East Tennessee 
was restored to the Union, with little loss or bloodshed. 

42. It was the intention of the government, that General 
Burnside should march with his army to reinforce Rose- 
crans. General Halleck directed him repeatedly to do so, 
but as the request was not complied with, the Eleventh and 
Twelfth Corps of the Army of the Potomac were detached, 
and sent to protect General Rosecrans's line of communica- 
tion from Nashville to the borders of Alabama and Georgia. 
Before their arrival, the Union army was assailed by a strong 
rebel force at Chickamauga, Tenn. The battle commenced 



Lincoln's administration. 289 

on the 19th of September, by an attack on the left 
wing, commanded by General Thomas. Failing 
ia their attempts, the rebels next attacked the centre, which 
was under the command of Greneral Crittenden, and at first 
drove it back. But, being reinforced, it regained the lost 
ground. 

43. On the 20th, the battle was renewed, by a furious 
attack on the left and centre of the Union army. All the 
attempts of the assailants on the left were bravely met by 
General Thomas, who repulsed them in three successive 
charges. They were more successful in their attacks, on 
the centre, which they now assailed with great fury, and 
on their first charge drove the division commanded by 
General Davis before them, and pushing on by this openiug, 
cut ofi" the right and a part of the centre from that portion 
of the army commanded by General Thomas. 

44. That brave general was now left to bear the whole 
fury of the battle, as *''The divisions commanded by 
McCook and Crittenden fled in confusion from the field, 
carrying with them their commander, also General Rose- 
craus, who was on that part of the line." General Garfield, 
by a circuitous route, joined General Thomas, and later in 
the day, General Granger, with a strong body of reserves, 
came to his assistance. The battle now raged fiercely for 
the possession of a mountain gorge. Steadman's brigade 
of cavalry defended the pass, and cut down the rebels with 
fearful slaughter. 

45. About sunset they made their final charge, but were 
repulsed by the bayonets of the Union men, before whom 
they gave way and abandoned the contest. Repeated 
attempts had been made to carry General Thomas's position 

* General Halleck's official report. 
25* 



290 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

without success, and at nightfall the enemy with- 
drew, leaving him victorious on this hard-fjught 
battle-field. That night, however, he withdrew his torn 
and shattered forces to Rossville, and the following night 
to Chattanooga. The enemy claimed this as a victory, as 
they remained in possession of the field. 

46. In Texas, Greneral Banks took possession of Browns- 
ville, on the Bio Gi-rande, the rebels having evacuated the 
town on the approach of the Union forces. General Geary 
sustained a severe night attack on his camp, in the valley 
of the Wauhatchie. He gallantly repulsed the assailants, 
not, however, without the loss of many of his brave war- 
riors, among whom was his son, Lieutenant Geary. On 
the 2od of November, an attack was commenced on the 
enemy near Chattanooga. The attack was made at two 
o'clock, and the rifle-pits and two hills occupied by the 
Union troops. On the following day. General Sherman 
crossed the Tennessee river, and captured the northern 
extremity of Missionary Bidge. On the 25th, General 
Hooker, in command of the Eleventh and Twelfth Army 
Corps, captured the north slope of Lookout Mountain. 
X>uring the night. General Bragg evacuated the summit of 
the mountain, and the Union troops took possession. Seve- 
ral attempts were made to capture Missionary Bidge, which 
were finally successful, and the enemy fled discomfited and 
utterly routed. Three thousand prisoners were captured, 
also fifty-two cannon, five thousand small arms^ and ten 
flags. 

47. The day succeeding the battle the pursuit of the 
enemy commenced, and was continued ten miles beyond 
Chickamauga. The enemy made a stand at Binggold, but 
were repulsed after a severe engagement, with the loss of 
four guns and three hundred prisoners. General Burn- 



Lincoln's administration. 291 

side, witli his army, was besieo-ed in Knoxvillc, 
Tenn., by the rebel army under Longstreet. The 
siege commenced October 17th, and continued with much 
skirmishing until November 29th, when the rebel general 
made a fierce assault on the Union works. Both sides fought 
■with reckless daring, and determined bravery. The battle 
commenced at ten o'clock at night, and continued till day- 
light, when the firing ceased. The enemy lost more than 
seven hundred men, killed, wounded, and prisoners, while 
the Union loss was slight in comparison. 

48. Soon after the rebel army was repulsed at Knoxville, 
Longstreet abandoned Tennessee, and retreated to Virginia. 
He was pursued by Sherman's and Foster's cavalry. His 
cavalry was attacked in one of the passes of the Clinch river 
mountains, and the pursuit continued until the enemy 
escaped through the mountain gap into Virginia. 

49. On the assembling of Congress, the President trans- 
mitted his annual message, accompanied by a proclamation 
offering pardon and amnesty to those persons who partici- 
pated in the rebellion, on their taking an oath " to faith- 
iully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the 
United States, and abide by and support all laws of Con- 
gress passed during the rebellion with reference to slaves, 
so long as said laws shall not be repealed by Congress, or 
held void by decision of the Supreme Court." * All civil 
or diplomatic agents of the so-called Confederate govern- 
ment, were excepted from the terms of this proclamation. 

50. The Secretary of War, in his annual report, depicted, 
in strong language, the inhumanity of the rebel authori- 
ties in their treatment of prisoners, who were deprived 

* President Lincoln's Message, Dec. 8tli 1863, 



292 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

of clotiiing, shelter, and food, and died from expo- 
sure and famine. The exchange of prisoners had 
been stopped by the rebel government, and it also refused 
to acknowledge colored troops and their oificers as prisoners 
of war. * The Secretary bears testimony to the efficiency of 
colored troops, " as shown at Milliken's Bend, at the assault 
on Fort Hudson, and the storming of Fort Wagner.'' 

Questions on the Events of 1863. — 1. "What is said of West Vir- 
ginia ? 

2. Give an account of the battle of Murfreesboro' ? WHiat is 
said of General Sherman's attack on Vicksburg? What was done 
by the enemy at Galveston 1 

3. What is said of Arkansas Post ? Of General Burnside ? 

4. What is said of the battle at Blackwater river ? What was 
done by the enemy's iron-clad rams ? 

5. Describe the attack on Fort Donelson. By whom was Port 
Hudson attacked ? 

6. What is said of the attack on Charleston ? 

7. What prevented the vessels' progress in Charleston Harbor? 

8. Describe the battle near Somei'set. What is said of the siege 
of Washington, N. C. ? 

9. Where was General Stoneman sent ? What was now done by 
General Hooker ? By General Sedgwick ? 

10. When was the battle of Chanccllorville fought? Who were 
the commanders 1 Describe the battle. 

1 1. Describe the second day's engagement. Who was killed ? 

12. What battle took place on the succeeding day? What was 
the result 1 

13. What was done by General Stoneman? 

14. What is said of General Hooker ? 

15. What places were captured by General Grant? By General 
McPherson ? What is said of the battle of Baker's Creek? 

16. Who attacked Vicksburg? What were captured? Give 
an account of the battle of Big Black river ? 

17. What was done by Lieutenant Walker, in Yazoo river ? 



* Secretary Stanton's Official Report. 



Lincoln's administration. 293 

18. What is said of the battle which ensued? Who were the 
commanders ? 

19. Describe the attack on Fort Hudson. WTiat is said of the 
colored troops ? 

20. What is said of the invasion of Maryland ? What battle 
was fought 1 

21. "What is said of General Lee ? What places were captured ? 
What was done by General Hooker ? 

22. Who was now appointed commander of the army ? What 
towns were occupied by the enemy ? 

23. What states prepared for the invaders ? Where were troops 
assembled ? Who was killed in the first engagement ? Who now 
took command? 

24. What Avas done by General Meade ? Describe the battle. 

25. What was done by General Slocum? Who commanded the 
enemy ? Describe the battle. 

26. What did General Lee do? What is said of the attack? 
What effect was produced by General Webb's troops ? What did 
the enemy now do 1 What did General Lee do after the battle of 
Gettysburg ? 

27. When was Vicksburg surrendered ? Who commanded the 
respective armies ? What were the trophies ? What effect was 
produced by the surrender of Port Hudson ? Repeat note under 
this paragraph. 

28. What other battle took place on the 4th of .July ? What was 
done in Tennessee ? 

29. Describe the siege of Jackson. Who were the commanders ? 

30. What is said of the engagement between Morgan and Shac- 
klcford ? 

31. What did the President call for ? When did the draft com- 
mence ? What took place in New York ? 

32. What was done by General Gillmore ? Describe the attack 
on Fort Sumter ? 

33. Give an account of the fleet, of iron-clads ? What is said of 
the bombardment of Charleston ? 

34. What is said of the expedition sent against the Indians ? 

35. By whom was the town of Lawrence attacked ? Who 
attacked the robbers ? 



29-1: HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

38. What is said of General Lee's movements after the battle of 
Gettysburg ? Of General Meade ? 

37. Describe the battle at Buckland Mills. 

38. What was done by Generals Sedgwick and French ? By 
General Meade ? 

39. What was done by General Rosecrans ? General Bragg ? 

40. What is said of the advance of the army on the Tennessee 
river ? 

41. What was done by General Burnside in East Tennessee? 

42. What corps were detached from the Army of the Potomac ? 
W^here were they sent ? Give an account of the battle of Chicka- 
mauga. 

43. What was now done by the enemy ? General Thomas ? 
What was the result of the attack on General Davis ? 

44. Who was now left to bear the whole fm-y of battle ? What 
is said of the other divisions ? Who came to the assistance of 
General Thomas ? What is said of Steadman's brigade ? 

45. What is said of the final charge of the enemy? When did 
General Thomas withdraw his forces, and to what places 1 

46. What is said of General Banks? General Geary? What 
is said of the attack on the enemy near Chattanooga ? General 
Sherman? General Hooker ? General Bragg ? 

47. What is said of the engagement at Ringgold ? Of the siege 
of Knoxville ? 

48. What did General Longstreet do after his repulse at Knox- 
ville ? 

49. What was offered by the President's proclamation ? Who 
were excepted ? 

50. What is said of the treatment of Union prisoners ? Of colored 
troops ? 



EVENTS OF 1864. 

1. Early in January, a force of three hundred 

Union troops at Jonesville, Ala., was attacked by 

a large force of rebels, and, after a desperate fight, compelled 



Lincoln's administration. 295 

to surrender. A surprise and skirmish took place 
near Strawberry Plains, Tenn., resulting in the cap- 
ture of the whole rebel party, including the commander, 
Major-General Vance. The cavalry under General Sturgis 
gained a victory over the enemy's cavalry in East Tennessee. 
The battle lasted from daylight to four o'clock p. m., when 
the enemy was completely routed, and driven from the field. 

2. An expedition sent out from Chattanooga, to dislodge 
the rebels posted at Tunnel Hill, was successful. The 
enemy's troops were driven from the town, and pursued 
some distance. Suffolk, Virginia, was captured after a 
brief struggle with the enemy. In North Carolina, twenty- 
three Union prisoners were hanged by the rebels, under 
the pretence that they had been in the service of the Con- 
federate government. Great indignation was expressed by 
the inhabitants at these murders. 

3. On the 17th of March, General Grant assumed the 
command of the armies of the United States, he having 
been previously appointed Lieutenant-General. This rank 
was justly conferred on him, in consideration of his services 
and ability as a commander, and his distinguished military 
successes. Admiral Porter, with his fleet, appeared off the 
town of Alexandria, La., and demanded its surrender. As 
his force was too strong to be resisted, the demand was com- 
plied with without resistance on the part of the garrison. 
General A. J. Smith's forces had disembarked from the 
fleet on the previous day (March 14th), and captured Fort 
Dc Russey. General Banks was commander-in-chief of the 
troops. 

4. A cavalry expedition, conducted by General Kilpatriek, 
occasioned great alarm to the people of Richmond. The 
soldiers in their march destroyed military stores, canals, 
railroads, and everything which would strengthen and uphold 



293 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

the rebel cause, dasliing up to the very entrance 
of Kichmond. But the alarm had spread, the 
rebels were prepared for the inroad, and General Kilpatrick 
with his brave soldiers returned to camp. Colonel Dahlgren, 
of the advance guard, was slain in an attempt to rejoin the 
main body, from which, with a small party, he had been 
separated. He was a brave man and an excellent officer, 
and his fall was much regretted by the friends of the 
Union. 

5. Fort Pillow, on the Mississippi river, was attacked by 
a large force of rebels under Forrest, and stormed after a 
gallant resistance. Immediately after the capture of the 
fort, an indiscriminate massacre ensued. The assailants 
shot down the unarmed and unresisting soldiers both white 
and black, and in many instances massacred the wounded. 
According to General Sherman's report, three hundred 
colored troops were inhumanly murdered after all resistance 
had ceased. The town of Paducah, Kentucky, was attacked 
by a rebel force, who drove the pickets into the town. The 
rebel General Buford then sent in a flag of truce, request- 
ing the removal of the women and children. The enemy's 
troops then drew up in line of battle, when the fort opened 
fire, and compelled them to retreat. 

6. The Bed Biver expedition continued on its course 
after the capture of Alexandria, and soon took possession 
of Natchitoches, where General Banks established his head- 
quarters. On the 7th of April, the Union cavalry, near 
Grand Ecore, after a skirmish with the rebels and driving 
them for several miles, came on a large force in a strong 
position. The enemy was dislodged by the Union troops, 
and driven off the field. The next morning, the battle was 
renewed by an attack on the rebel troops, who met in strong 
force, and the engagement was fierce and bloody. The 



Lincoln's administration-. 297 

rebels made a desperate charge in masses, and 
drove the Union troops back for nearly four miles, 
but ^re checked by two advancing brigades under General 
Emery. In this engagement, the enemy captured the Chi- 
cago Battery. 

7. That night, the Union troops were withdrawn to 
Pleasant Hill, without the enemy's being aware of the 
movement. The battle was resumed on the following day 
(April 9th), on a large common near the town of Pleasant 
Hill. The Union forces were drawn up in order of battle, 
and awaited the attack of the enemy until five o'clock in 
the afternoon. Skirmishing had been going on through 
the day, but now the enemy came down in three lines to a 
general attack on the Union army. Soon the action became 
general, with the exception of General Smith's Division, 
which held its fire in reserve until the enemy came almost 
to the muzzles of the guns, when a sheet of flame flashed 
along the line, and hundreds fell before the destructive fire. 
Before the rebels could recover from the shock, the word 
"Charge" was given, and the whole army was precipitated 
on the rebels, who fled to the woods in confusion and dis- 
may. 

8. The disasters of the Bed River expedition and the 
Fort Pillow massacre, were followed by the capture of 
Plymouth, N. C. The commander, General Wessels, and 
his troops, resisted for three days the attack of the rebels 
by land and water, but were at last overpowered by numbers 
and obliged to surrender. After the capture, the unresist- 
ing colored soldiers were murdered by the rebels. Soon 
after the capture of Plymouth, Washington, one of the 
strongest fortified places in North Carolina, was evacuated 
by order of General Butler. 

9. Early in May, the Army of the Potomac crossed the 
26 



298 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Eapidaii, and marched on the lines of the enemy. 

On the 5th, the expected encounter began at the 
" Wilderness," near Orange Court House. The divisions 
of the army were led by G-enerals Warren, Hancock, 
and Sedgwick, the whole being under General Meade. 
About noon, the action became general, and continued 
until late in the afternoon. The battle was resumed at 
daylight the next morning. General Hancock with his fine 
corps was severely pressed during the early part of the 
day, by Longstreet and his numerous forces. Twice he 
was driven back, and twice he repulsed the enemy, until 
at last he was relieved by General Burnside. 

10. Later in the day, the rebel General Hill attacked 
Sedgwick's right, with great force and impetuosity, and 
compelled it to give way. But the corps was quickly re- 
formod by the gallant Sedgwick, and in turn rushed on the 
rebels, driving them from the breastworks. During the 
night. General Lee with his whole army fell back about 
twelve miles, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. 
On the 7th, he reached Spottsylvania Court House, closely 
pursued by the L^nion army. General Wadsworth was 
killed in the action, after deeds of great bravery, and Major- 
General Sedgwick also fell in the battle at Spottsylvania. 
His death was much lamented in the army and by the 
country at large. 

11. While these battles were in progress, the city of 
Fredericksburg was taken possession of by the Union troops. 
General Butler, during these events, was harassing the 
enemy between Petersburg and Richmond, and General 
Sheridan, with a force of cavalry, destroying the enemy's 
works, public stores, and munitions of war. 

12. General Crook, in the valley of the Shenandoah, 
fought three battles with the rebel forces, gaining com- 



Lincoln's administration. 299 

plete victories. General Sherman continued his 
march through Georgia. A battle was fought at 
Kesaca, by General Hooker. His troops made a deter- 
mined charge which was successful, the enemy was repulsed, 
and that night abandoned the town, which was taken posses- 
sion of by the Union troops. After the capture of this 
post. General Sherman successively took possession of 
Kingston, Rome, Cassville, and the line of the Etowah 
river. 

13. After the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Lee 
fell back with his whole army. Generals Hancock and 
Warren immediately followed in full pursuit. A battle was 
fought near the Chickahominy, the enemy repulsed, and 
the rebel General J. S. B. Stewart killed. General Butler 
was also engaged with a portion of the army, in harassing 
the enemy in the vicinity of Petersburg. After Sheridan's 
successful expedition, he united his forces with those of 
General Butler, on the James river. 

14. On the south side of the river. General Kautz, with 
a body of cavalry, destroj^ed the railroad connecting Rich- 
mond and Petersburg, and several miles of the railroad 
connecting Petersburg with Weldon, in North Carolina. 
This destruction of the various railroads leading to Rich- 
mond, was effected to prevent the transportation of troops 
and supplies for recruiting the rebel army and furnishing 
them with military stores. 

15. In Georgia, General Sherman, with his victorious 
army, made a steady progress. On the 8th of June, he 
had advanced to Ackworth Station, having full possession 
of the line of railroad, to within a mile of Marietta. The 
enemy soon after evacuated the town, and General Sherman 
took possession. A severe battle took place at Kenesaw 
Mountain. The enemy being strongly posted in the nioun- 



300 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tain pass, it was determined to storm his works at 
the point of the bayonet. Some shot and shell 
were discharged, when five thousand men rushed impetu- 
ously to the charge. The rebels opened a dreadful fire, 
but the Union troops rushed on till they carried the first 
line of the rebei works. 

16. An advance was now made on the second line of the 
enemy's works, and the assailants were again confronted 
with a deadly fire. They were several times repulsed, 
again rallied, and again advanced. They pushed forward 
to the foot of a perpendicular cliff. Here the rebels were 
so strongly posted that the troops could not dislodge them, 
and were compelled to retire with great loss. General 
Harker, in this engagement, fell mortally wounded. 

17. Soon after this repulse. General Sherman, by a flank 
movement, compelled the enemy to evacuate his strong posi- 
tion, and the Union troops took possession. After the 
array occupied Marietta, it continued its advance towards 
Atlanta. Here the enemy had thrown up fortifications, 
and made a determined stand. In July, a severe battle 
was fought at Proctor's Creek. The Union forces were 
commanded by General Howard, and were completely vic- 
torious. 

18. We now return to the Army of the Potomac. Soon 
after the battle of Spottsylvania, General Grant executed 
a flank movement, pushing on towards Richmond. He 
crossed the North Anna, before the enemy could intercept 
or oppose him. Lee, alarmed for the safety of the rebel 
capital, moved forward for its defence, while General Grant 
successively crossed the Pamunkey, Chickahominy, and 
the James rivers. After crossing the latter river, the 
Union forces attacked the rebels near Harrison's Landing, 
and drove them into the fortifications. A charge was then 



1804. ' 



Lincoln's administration. 301 

made, and the entire line of works taken, with six- 



teen guns and three hundred prisoners. In the 
afternoon, Burnside and Hancock made a combined attack 
on the enemy's works, and a desperate struggle lasting till 
dark ensued. The next morning, the attack was renewed, 
and a large number of prisoners captured. General Biruey 
made an attack on a part of the works, and drove the 
enemy from a strong position. 

19. The attacks on the outer line of fortifications were 
successful, but the inner line resisted all attempts of the 
assailants. While the army was engaged in constant at- 
tacks on the enemy's works, detachments were sent out to 
destroy the railroads which formed the connection between 
positions held by the rebels. Two. battles were fought, 
near Cold Harbor, with indecisive results and great loss of 
life. 

20. Among those successful in destroying the enemy's 
railroads, we must record the name of General Wilson, who 
with a body of cavalry, tore up the Petersburg and Weldon 
road, and then moved to the road connecting Petersburg 
with Lynchburg. 

21. General Sheridan, after a hard fought battle with 
the enemy, at Trevillian Station, on the Virginia Central 
Railroad, gained a victory. General Hunter achieved a 
victory over the rebels beyond Staunton, Va. The rebel 
general Jones was killed in the engagement. After the 
battle. General Hunter with his troops occupied the town 
of Staunton. 

22. The piratical cruiser, Alabama, had inflicted a great 
amount of damage on American commerce. She had 
attacked, captured, and destroyed a large number of mer- 
chant vessels, and for nearly three years eluded all efforts 
made by the vessels of the navy to intercept her. In June, 

26* 



302 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

she refitted in the port of Cherboura^, France, and 

1804. . 

thence steamed out to attack the United States 
steamer Kearsarge, which awaited her coming ten miles 
from the French coast. An engagement ensued, continuing 
a little over an hour, when the Alabama endeavored to 
escape toward the land, in a disabled and sinking condition. 
Soon after she sunk in the depths of the ocean, leaving her 
crew struggling in the water. Most of them were rescued. 
The pirate captain was taken up by the boat of an English 
vessel, and thus escaped capture. Captain Winslow, the 
victorious commander, received the thanks of the Secretary 
of the Navy for his gallant achievement. 

23. Generals Wilson and Kautz, who had been sent to 
destroy the Danville j-ailroad, succeeded in the objects of 
their expeditix)n. The road was destroyed for a distance 
of sixty miles, but the rebel troops attacked them in force, 
causing great loss both of artillery and men. General Wil- 
son brought away about four hundred contraband slaves, 
and a large number of horses. At one time he w^as sur- 
rounded, and his only means of escape was through an 
almost impenetrable swamp. The Sixth Corps was sent to 
his assistance, and the enemy repulsed. 

24, While General Grant was lying before Petersburg, 
a large rebel force under General Early, attacked * Martins- 
burg, which was occupied by a small force, who were com- 
pelled to retreat. The enemy soon after attacked Harper's 
Ferry, which was defended by General Weber. They 
soon after invaded Maryland and Pennsylvania, and sent 
out parties in search of plunder. In Hagerstown and other 
places, the inhabitants were compelled to pay a large sum 
of money to save their towns from being burnt. A party 

* Martinsburg, Berkley county, Virginia. 



Lincoln's administration. 303 

of guerillas dashed into tlie town shortly after this 
stipulation, plundered the inhabitants, and set fire 
to a number of buildings. Another party plundered and 
burnt Chambersburg, Pa. 

' 25. A regular battle betweeen the forces under General 
Wallace, and the rebel forces, took place at Monocacy, Md., 
commencing at nine o'clock A. M., and closing at five in the 
afternoon, when the Union forces were compelled to retreat. 
The rebels now cut the railroads between Baltimore and 
Ilarrisburg, and at Magnolia Station, on the Philadelphia 
road. Here they plundered a passenger train, and captured 
General Franklin, who was a passenger. That gentleman, 
however, had the good fortune to make his escape from 
the marauders, soon afterwards. The rebels occupied 
Frederick, exacted the sum of $250,000 from the citizens, 
and threatened to destroy the city if payment were not 
made. 

26. The rebel raiders now invaded the District of Colum- 
bia, and skirmishes ensued, one of which took place on the 
Seventh Street road, but a few miles from Washington. 
Soon after, the assembling of large bodies of troops for the 
defence of the capital, compelled the raiders to return to 
Virginia. In Mississippi, General A. J. Smith fought 
a succession of battles with the rebel General Forrest, de- 
feating him in all of them. In Virginia, General Averili 
attacked and defeated Early, killing and wounding three 
hundred of his officers and men, and capturing caunon, 
small arms, and two hundred prisoners. 

27. In West Virginia, the enemy was defeated by Gene- 
ral Kelly, at New Creek, and compelled to leave the state; 
but while the people of Maryland and Pennsylvania were 
rejoicing over the retreat of the rebels, a sudden irruption 
into Ilagerstown, brought consternation and terror with it 



304 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

But after remainiuo; a short time in the state, the 

1864. 

rebels as suddenly retired to the Valley of the 
Shenandoah, carrying off a large amount of plunder. 

28. General Hood, commanding the rebels at Atlanta, 
made an attack on the Fifteenth Army Coi'ps, General 
Logan (July 28th). The skirmishing commenced early in 
the morning, and after driving in the pickets, the enemy 
marched up towards General Logan's fortifications. They 
met with no opposition until they had advanced within two 
hundred yards of the lines, when they were encountered 
with a terrific storm of cannon and musketry, from which 
the survivors fled in dismay and terror. A second charge 
was made, the fighting being carried on with great fury, but 
without avail. In two hours from the commencement of 
the battle, the field was cleared of all but the dead, the 
dying, and the wounded. 

29. General Sherman, having left the Twentieth Corps 
at the Chatahoochie bridge, marched south and broke up 
twelve miles of the West Point Railroad, and advanced 
towards the Macon road. The right. General Howard, was 
near Jonesborough ; the left, General Schofield, near Rough 
and Ready. The centre was commanded by General 
Thomas. The enemy attacked General Howard, and was 
repulsed, leaving his dead and wounded on the field. Gene- 
ral Sherman then advanced the left and centre on the 
railroad, which they broke for about eight miles, and then 
assaulted the enemy at Jonesborough. 

30. The works here were carried, and General Gorman 
"and two thousand prisoners taken. Hood, finding his rail- 
roads destroyed, and his supplies cut off, destroyed his 
ammunition cars and locomotives, and evacuated Atlanta 
the same night. On the day following (Sept. 2d), General 
Slocum took possession of the city. The country had to 



il 



Lincoln's administration. 305 

deplore the death of General McPherson, who fell 
in the attack on Atlanta. He was succeeded in 
the command by General Logan. At the time of these 
successes of General Sherman, the naval forces achieved 
brilliant victories in the harbor of Mobile, by the capture 
of Forts Powell, Gaines, and Morgan. Great praise is due 
to Admiral Farragut, and Generals Canby and Granger. 

31. The band of the notorious rebel leader Morgan, was 
attacked at Bull's Gap, Tenn., by General Gillem, and 
totally routed. Morgan himself being killed in the engage- 
ment. A battle took place (Sept. 3d), at Berryville, in 
the Shenandoah Valley, between General Crook's command 
and the rebels, resulting in the defeat of the latter with 
great loss. A large rebel force at Dutch Gap, twelve miles 
from Richmond, was attacked by General Hancock's army 
corps, and routed with the loss of five hundred prisoners, 
and five pieces of artillery. 

32. General Sheridan attacked General Early at Opequan 
Creek, Va., and after a desperate engagement, lasting from 
early in the morning until five o'clock in the evening, com- 
pletely defeated him, drove the enemy through Winchester, 
and captured two thousand five hundred prisoners, five 
pieces of artillery, and nine battle-flags. General Russell 
was killed in the battle, also the rebel generals Rhodes and 
Goodwin. Great praise was awarded to Generals Wright, 
Crook, Emory, and Torbert, and their officers and men. 
This was a very important victory, as it broke the power of 
rebellion in the Shenandoah Valley, and prevented all 
invasions into the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania. 

33. After this victory, General Sheridan continued his 
pursuit of the flying enemy. Another battle took place at 
Fisher's Hill, a strong position on the north fork of the 
Shenandoah, extending across the Strasburg Valley, to the 



30G HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

North Mountains. General Crook attacked the 

1 864:. 

left of the enemy's line, carrying everything before 
him. The Sixth and Nineteenth Army Corps attacked the 
rebel works in front, and the enemy fled in the utmost con- 
fusion. The battle commenced at four o'clock in the after- 
noon, and the official report says : " Only the darkness saved 
the whole of Early's army from total destruction." 

34. These victories were followed up by Sheridan's 
cavalry occupying Staunton and Waynesborough. Early 
was pursued so closely and unremittingly, that he left the 
valley and escaped to the mountains. Sheridan kept up the 
pursuit to Port Hepublic. Another battle took place at 
Strasburg. On General Sheridan's return to that place, a 
large force of the enemy's cavalry hung on the rear of his 
army. He halted, and attacked the enemy at da^^break 
(Oct. 9). The attack was commenced by Generals Custer 
and Merritt. The rebels were repulsed and fled, pursued 
by the troops through the town of Mount Jackson, and 
across the north fork of the Shenandoah. They lost eleven 
cannon, and three hundred and fifty prisoners. 

35. General Grant and his army were actively engaged 
in front of Petersburg, cutting off" the enemy's supplies, and 
destroying the railroads and other facilities of communica- 
tion. In September, General Ord advanced his corps, and 
carried the strong fortifications and line of intrenchmesits 
below Chapia's Farm. General Birney also advanced, and 
carried the New Market road and intrenchments. Soon 
after, General Meade drove the enemy from the first two 
lines of defences on the Squirrel Level road, within four 
miles of Petersburg. In October, the enemy attacked 
General Kautz's cavalry, and drove them back. The rebels 
then attacked General Birney, and were repulsed with great 
loss. General Birney pursued them^ and drove them from 



Lincoln's administration. 307 

the intrencliments which had been taken from 

General Kautz. 
86. General Sheridan's army was attacked (Oct. 19th), 
at Cedar Creek,* before daylight, and its left turned and 
driven back with the loss of twenty pieces of cannon. 
General Sheridan was at Winchester at the commencement 
of the battle, and, on his hurried return, found his forces 
had been driven four miles. He quickly united the corps, 
and formed a compact line of battle to repulse an attack 
of the enemy. This was eiFected, and at three o'clock he 
attacked the enemy, driving and routing his forces, captur- 
ing forty- three cannon, and two thousand prisoners. Dis- 
aster was thus changed into victory. 

37. The rebel steamer Florida, with fifty-eight men and 
twelve officers, was captured in the Bay of St. Salvador, 
Brazil, by the United States steam sloop Wachuset, Com- 
mander Collins. A battle was fought in October, near 
Kansas City, in which Price's army was defeated, and pur- 
sued for several miles. On the 31st of October, slavery 
by the voluntary action of the people ceased for ever in 
Maryland. At the presidential election held in November, 
Mr. Lincoln was re-elected by a large majority, and Andrew 
Johnson of Tennessee was elected Vice President. 

38. In East Tennessee, General Gillem fought a san- 
guinary battle with Breckenridge's forces, completely rout- 
ing them, and driving Vaughn's brigade a long distance. 
An entire battery was captured. An attack was made by 
a large body of rebels on the fort at Altoona, Ga. The 
fort was bravely defended by General Corse, and after a 
severe assault lasting five hours, the assailants were repulsed. 

* Cedar Creek, in Frederick county, Virginia, between Winchester 
and Strasburtr. 



308 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Knoxville, Tenn., which had been besieged by 

1864- n J 

Longstreet, was relieved by the arrival of General 
Sherman's cavalry. The rebels then raised the siege, and 
retreated through the mountain passes into Virginia and 
North Carolina. 

39. On the 15th of December, General Thomas attacked 
the enemy near Nashville, drove his forces eight miles, and 
captured two trains of wagons, nearly one thousand pri- 
soners, and sixteen pieces of artillery. The battle was re- 
newed the following day, and the enemy driven from every 
position. During the night. General Hood withdrew from 
the river, and took a position covering the Hillsboro' and 
other turnpikes. He was soon driven from the first line, but 
the second was obstinately contested. It was finally taken, 
and two thousand men, including General Jackson, became 
prisoners. The Union loss did not exceed three hundred 
men, during this hard-fought engagement. 

40. The general in his official report, acknowledges the 
co-operation of the gunboats under Lieutenant Commander 
Fitch, in driving the enemy from his established batteries 
on the Cumberland river, below Nashville. After the 
battle of Nashville, General Thomas continued his pursuit 
of the flying enemy for several days. Hood's army retreated 
in great confusion and disorder from Franklin, Tenn., to the 
Duck river, and thence to the Tennessee river, where 
with the remains of his once large army, he escaped utter 
destruction at the hands of General Thomas, and the pur- 
suing Army of the Cumberland. In this campaign he lost 
seventeen thousand men, fifty-one cannon, and eighteen 
general officers. 

41. But the most wonderful feature of the year, was 
General Sherman's march of three hundred miles through 
the heart of the enemy's country, and the complete success 



Lincoln's administration. 309 

of his expedition. From Atlanta to Savannali his 
army marched steadily, and without hindrance or 
obstruction. He destroyed all the railroads by which the 
enemy might transport his armies, and sweeping through 
the country by a track sixty miles in width, carried his 
victorious standard from the mountain peaks of Alabama 
and Georgia, to the shores of the Atlantic. In conjunction 
with a naval force, be captured Fort McAllister, on the 
Ogeechee river, and then laid siege to Savannah. This 
city was occupiod by General Hardee, and a large body of 
forces. 

42. But the rebel leader did not await an assault. On 
the night of December 20th, he abandoned the city, escap- 
ing with the main body of his infantry, and eight pieces 
of artillery, after blowing up the iron-clad vessels, and 
burning the Navy Yard. General Sherman occupied the 
city on the morning of the 21st, and his despatch announc- 
ing his peaceable occupation of the city, added greatly to 
the Christmas rejoicings throughout the whole country. 
The captures included eight hundred prisoners, one hundred 
and fifty cannon, locomotives, cars, thirty-three thousand 
bales of cotton, and a large supply of military stores. 
General Geary was appointed military governor. 

43. The North Atlantic squadron, commanded by Admi- 
ral D. D. Porter, made an attack on Fort Fisher, N. C, on 
the 24th of December, commencing at eleven o'clock. The 
whole fleet successively bombarded the fort, and in little 
over an hour silenced its batteries. The following morning 
the battle was resumed, and while the fleet attacked the 
fort, General Butler landed a body of troops to attack it 
on the inland side. In conjunction with General Weitzel, 
he captured two batteries, and a number of ofiicers and 
men. General Weitzel advanced to within fifty yards of 

27 



110 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1864 

siege. 



Fort Fislier, but found the works too strong to be 
captured, except by the operations of a regular 
General Butler therefore ordered the troops to re- 
embark, as he *" could see nothing further that could be 
done by the land forces." 

44. The bombardment of Fort Fisher, and the unsuc- 
cessful attempt to capture that strong post, closed the naval 
and military operations of the year, a year marked with 
so many signal successes, that the friends of the Union 
looked forward with confidence to the overthrow of the 
rebellion, and the close of the war. During the year, two 
prominent public men died, viz.^ Chief Justice Taney, and 
Hon. George M. Dallas. Judge Taney had for many years 
occupied the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the United States, to which position he was appointed 
by President Jackson. Mr. Dallas was Vice President of 
the United States during Mr. Polk's administration. The 
territory of Nevada was organized as a state, and admitted 
into the Union. This state is in the far Vv'est, and forms 
the thirty-sixth in its order of admission. 



Questions on theEvmts q/" 1864. — 1. What took place at Jonesville, 
Ala. ? Strawberry Plains, Teun. ? What is said of a battle in 
East Tennessee? 

2. What towns were captured? What murders were committed 
in North Carolina? 

3. What rank was conferred on General Grant ? What com- 
mand did he assume ? What was done by Admiral Porter ? 
General A. J. Smith's forces ? 

4. What is said of General Kilpatrick's cavalry raid ? Colonel 
Dahlgren ? 

5. What is said of Fort Pillow ? Who commanded the assail- 
ants ? What is said of the massacre ? 

* General Butler's official report. 



Lincoln's administration. 311 

6. Wliat is said of tlie Eed Eiver expedition ? Describe the 
battle. 

7. Describe the battle of Pleasant Hill. 

8. What town was captured by the enemy? Describe the attack. 
What is said of the colored troops ? What town Avas evacuated by 
the Union troops ? 

9. A^Hiat did the Army of the Potomac do in May ? What battle 
e-isued ? Who led the divisions of the army ? What is said of 
General Hancock ? 

10. What is said of General Sedgwick's corps ? General Lee ? 
What generals were killed at Spottsylvania ? 

11. What city was captured bv the Union troops? What was 
done by General Butler and General vSheridan ? 

12. What was done by General Crook? General Sherman? 
Wliat is said of the battle of Eesaca 1 

13. WTiat did General Lee do after the battle of Spottsylvania? 
What general was killed at Chickahominy ? 

14. What was done by General Kautz? 

15. What places were taken possession of in Georgia? Describe 
the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. 

16. What was the result? AVho was mortally wounded? 

17. What was now done by General Sherman ? Towards what 
place did the army advance ? What was the result of the battle of 
Proctor's Creek? 

18. What did General Grant do soon after the battle of Spottsyl- 
vania ? What rivers were crossed by the army in this march ? 
When did General Grant attack the enemy ? Give the result. 
What was done by Generals Bumside and Hnncock ? 

19. What is said of the battle of Cold Harbor? 

20. What was done by General Wilson ? 

21. What is said of the battle of Trevillian Station ? What toAvn 
was taken by General Hunter ? 

22. What was done by the Alabama ? When and where was 
she attacked ? How long did the engagement last ? What was the 
result ? What is said of the piratical captain ? What is said of 
Captain WinsloAV ? 

23. What is said of General Wilson ? 



312 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

24. What was done by General Early ? What states were 
invaded by the rebels ? What towns were plundered 1 

25. Describe the battle at Monocacy. Who M-as the Union 
general? What was done by the rebels at Magnolia Station ? 

26. What is said of General A. J. Smith's battles with General 
Forrest 1 General AA^erill ? 



27. What was done by General Kelly in West Virg 



inia 



28. Describe General Hood's attack on General Logan's fortifi- 
cations, and the result. 

29. Who was attacked by the enemy near Jonesborough ? What 
was now done by General Sherman ? 

30. What was captured at Jonesborough ? What was done by 
General Hood 1 What general took possession of Atlanta ? What 
general was killed in the attack ? 

31. By whom was Morgan's band attacked, and what Avas the 
result ? What is said of the battle at Berryville ? Dutch Gap ? 

32. Describe the battle at Opequan Creek. Who were the com- 
manders ? What generals were killed ? What generals deserved 
great praise ? Why was tliis an important victory ? 

33. Describe the battle of Fisher's Hill. 

34. What places were occupied by Sheridan ? What was General 
Early compelled to do ? What other battle took place, and Avho 
commenced the attack 1 Through what towns did the enemy flee ? 

35. What was done by General' Ord in September? General 
Birney ? General Meade ? 

36. Where was Sheridan's army attacked ? State the result. 
Where was General Sheridan at the time ? How far did the enemy 
drive his forces ? What was done by Sheridan on his return ? 
What did he capture 1 

37. By whom Avas the rebel steamer Florida captured, and 
when ? What battle was fought in which Price's army was en- 
gaged ? Who was elected President and Vice-President ? 

38. What battle took place in East Tennessee? What fort was 
attacked ? How was Knoxville relieved ? 

39. Give an account of the battle near Nashville. 

40. Y/hat was done by the gunboats ? What is said of Hood and 
his army ? 



Lincoln's administration. 313 

41. What is said of General Sherman's march ? VH^at fort was 
captured ? What city besieged 1 

42. When Avas Savannah abandoned? What did the captures 
include ? Who was made military gOA-ernor of the city? 

43. Describe the attack on Fort Fisher. 

44. What prominent public men died this year ? What state 
was admitted into the Union? 



EVENTS OF 1S65. 
1. The most important military event in the 

1S65. 

month of January, was the assault and capture of 
Fort Fisher. This strong fortress, situated at the mouth 
of Cape Fear river, formed the chief defence of the harbor 
of Wilmington, N. C, the sole remaining harbor open to 
blockade runners, and a great depot of military store? for 
the Confederate government. 

2. The assault on the fort was commenced by the fleet 
under Commodore Porter, on the 14th, by throwing im- 
mense numbers of shells, and battering the walls. On 
the 15th, a direct ass^ault by the land forces, consisting of 
Greneral Ames's division, and a brigade of the Twenty-ninth 
Army Corps, assisted by two thousand sailors and marines 
from the fleet. The garrison maintained a fierce and stub- 
born defence, but were at last comnelled to yield to the 
superior force of the assailants. 

3. The losses in this severely contested battle were heavy 
on both sides, but the loss of this fort was a heavy blow to 
the enemy. Twenty-five hundred prisoners and seventy- 
four cannon were captured, and great praise was awarded 
to General Terry, for his management of the expedition. 
Both General Terry and Commodore Porter received the 

27* 



314 nisToay of the united states. 

thciiiks of tlie government. Tlie enemy now blew 
up Forts Campbell and Caswell, and abandoned 
tlieir otlier defences on Cape Fear river. 

4. Early in January, General Butler was removed from 
the department of Virginia and Nortli Carolina, and Gene- 
ral Ord was appointed to succeed him. Hon. Edward 
Everett, long distinguished as a statesman and scholar, 
died on the 15th of the month, and the customary public 
respects were paid to his memory. General Grierson, in 
Mississippi, captured the town of Egypt, on the Mobile 
and Ohio Eailroad, and took possession of a large quantity 
of military stores. The pirate vessel Shenandoah inflicted 
great damage on our commerce, by capturing and burning 
our merchant vessels on the coast of Brazil. 

5. Both Houses of Congress adopted an Amendment to 
the Constitution, by which slaver}^ is abolished, and for- 
bidcfen ever to exist in the territory of the United States 
(Jan. 31st). Said amendment was submitted to the several 
states for their approval or rejection. The passage of this 
act was approved by the President, and hailed with joy by 
the lovers of freedom throughout the civilized world. 

6. Early in February, the army in Virginia moved for- 
ward. A severe fight took place at Hatcher's run, between 
the advanced guard, and the enemy who were strongly 
posted. The Fifth Corps, overpowered . with the strong 
force of the enemy, were compelled to give way, and to 
fall back on their works. Here, however, they rallied, and, 
advancing on the rebels, drove them back. 

7. G-eneral Sherman, and his victorious army, marched 
through South Carolina, successively capturing Branchville, 
Orangeburg, and Kiagsville, and arrived at Columbia, 
which was captured (Feb. 17th). Charleston and all its 
defeuces^ with four hundred and fifty cannon, and a supply 



Lincoln's administration. 315 

of ammunition, came into the possessioD of tlie 
Union troops on tlie 21st of February. Tlie prin- 
cipal inhabitants and the troops having evacuated the city, 
the Mayor formally surrendered it to the troops who first 
entered and took possession, and after a period of four years 
the National flag again waved from its public buildings, to 
the great joy of ail true patriots. 

8. Fort Anderson, N. C., the principal remaining defence 
of Wilmington, was captured (Feb. 19th) by General Scho- 
field and Admiral Porter. The evacuation was hastened 
by a successful stratagem on the part of the Navy, which 
consisted of sending in at night, a vessel resembling an 
iron-clad monitor, which floated past the fort, impressing 
the garrison with an idea that they were cut ofi" by land 
and water. They, therefore, hastily escaped, leaving their 
guns uuspiked and their ammunition uninjured. 

9. On the same day, Camden, S. C, was occupied by 
General Sherman's forces. The evacuation of Fort Ander- 
son was soon followed by the fall of Wilmington, that city 
being taken possession of by General Terry's victorious 
troops, on the 22d of February, Washington's birth-day. 
After these important captures of the ports of North and 
South Carolina, the fleet was relieved from the blockade, 
and resumed active operations. Fort White was captured, 
after bombardment by Admiral Dahlgren, and a detachment 
of marines and sailors landed and took possession of George- 
town (Feb. 25th). 

10. A battle between General Sheridan and General 
Early was fought at Fishersville, in which the rebels were 
defeated, and forty officers, thirteen hundred men, eight 
cannon, and one hundred guns were captured. General 
Sheridan then took possession of Gharlotteville, and sent 
out detachments to destroy the enemy's railroads and mili- 



316 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

tary stores. This accomplislied, lie rejoined the 
main army under General Grant. 

11. President Lincoln entered on his second term of 
office on the 4th of March, and with Andrew Johnson, of 
Tennessee, elected Vice President, was solemnly inaugu- 
rated. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice 
Chase. The President read his inaugural address, closing 
with these words : '- With malice towards none, with charity 
for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see 
the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to 
bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have 
borne the battle, and for his widow and orphans, to do all 
which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace 
among ourselves and with all nations. '' 

12. After General Sherman left Columbia and resumed 
his march, a battle was fought at Averysboro', between 
Gape Fear and South rivers, in which the Union army was 
victorious. Another battle took place at Bentonsville, N. 
C, with like success. On the 12th of March, the army 
reached Fayetteville, and on the 21st, Goldsboro' was occu- 
pied by the advance under General Schofield without 
opposition. Here General Sherman's army went into camp 
for the purpose of rest from their fatiguing march, part 
through swamps and morasses for five hundred miles, and 
in order to obtain supplies for their further progress. 

13. Fort Steadman, on Appomattox river, was suddenly 
and strongly assaulted (Mar. 25th), and captured by the 
enemy. After a sharp contest between Grant's troops, who 
now marched to the scene of conflict, the fort was retaken, 
and with it a thousand prisoners. The contest continued 
through the day, resulting in the defeat of the enemy, and 
the capture of a large number of prisoners. On the 29th, 
the combined armies of the James and the Potomac, 



Lincoln's administration". 817 

advanced from their respective positions, crossed 
Hatclier's run, and drove tlie enemy before thein 
for five miles. 

14. On the 31st, the enemy drove General Grant's left 
wing back some distance, when it rallied, and in turn re- 
pulsed the enemy. After three days of hard fighting, 
Sheridan's troo|3S carried all before them, capturing three 
brigades of infantry, a wagou train, and several batteries 
of artillery. ff)n the 2d of April, General Grant ordered 
an attack along the whole line of the enemj^'s works, and 
Generals Parke, Wright, and Ord broke through the in- 
trenchments, capturing guns, forts, and prisoners. The 
battle lasted all day, and the troops having taken all the 
outer defences of Petersburg, advanced to the inner line, 
formed in the streets of the city, 

15. But there was no further contest. At ten o'clock that 
night, the rebel troops commenced the evacuation of Peters- 
burg, and early next morning it was surrendered by the 
Mayor and City Council, to Grant's victorious troops (April 
3d). Richmond was evacuated the same day, and General 
Weitzel moved at daylight for its occupation. He met 
with no opposition, and was greeted with a hearty welcome 
by the people. The army entered the city with the band 
playing " Yankee Doodle," and the no less popular air of 
'" Shouting the Battle Cry of Freedom." It is almost need- 
less to say, that the poor famished inmates of Libby prison 
were at once set free, and clothed and fed. 

16. But the army did not remain long in Richmond. 
Leaving a sufHcient guard, the main body followed, in rapid 
pursuit, Lee's retreating army. On the 6th, the rebel 
army, who had made a stand at " Burke's Station," was 
attacked by General Sheridan, and routed after a shjirp 
engagement. Several thousand prisoners were captured, 



dlB HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

and amone; tliem, Generals Ewell and Custis Lee, 
The same day, anotlier engagement took place at 
Deatsonville, when the enemy was driven to the Appo- 
mattox. 

17. Negotiations between General Grant and Gen'eral 
Lee were opened, ending with the surrender of the Army of 
Northern Virginia (April 9th), on the terms proposed by 
General Grant. The officers and men were paroled, and 
the arms, artillery, and public property surrendered to tha 
Government of the United States. The fall of Richmond, 
and surrender of Lee's army, were hailed with great rejoic- 
ing by all loyal citizens, and looked on as the end of war 
and the overthrow of rebellion. 

18. General Sherman now left Goldsboro*, and struck 
out for Johnston's army. On the 13th, Raleigh was cap- 
tured with but little fighting, and soon after Salisbury was 
taken by General Stoneman, with immense quantities of 
artillery, ammunition, and supplies. Proclamation was now 
made by the President, that all drafting and recruiting for 
the army should cease. While these events were transpir- 
ing, the siege of Mobile was ended by its surrender. On 
the 9th of April, Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely were cap- 
tured, and on the 12th, Mobile surrendered to General 
Canby. 

19. On the 14th of April, the flag of the Union was 
raised over the ruins of Fort Sumter. Four years pre- 
viously it had been hauled down, and its brave commander 
compelled to evacuate the post he had so gallantly defended. 
The same brave soldier, General Anderson, was appointed 
to restore the flag to the proud position it then occupied, 
and to unfurl the stars and stripes of our National Union 
to the winds of Heaven. 

20. And now the most sorrowful event in our history 



Lincoln's administration. 319 

must be recorded — the murder of our wise and 

1865. 

good President. On the 14th of April, in the 
evening, Mr. Lincoln, with his wife and others, attended 
Ford's Theatre in Washington. While enjoying the per- 
formance, and suspecting no danger, he was shot in the 
back of the head by a miscreant with a pistol ball. The 
murderer fied from the theatre, leaped on a horse in wait- 
ing and escaped. The President was removed to a neigh- 
boring house, in an insensible condition, and died on the 
following morning. The night of the President's murder, 
Mr. Seward, the Secretary of State, was attacked in his bed 
by a ruffian, stabbed and severely wounded. His son, who 
went to his rescue, was also assailed, and severely injured. 

21. On the day of the President's death, Mr. Johnson, 
Vice President, was called on to perform his duties, and 
took the oath of office. The whole land was filled with 
mourning, and the President's body was taken to his home 
at Springfield, attended by thousands who loved his name 
and revered his memory. Booth, the murderer, was, soon 
after the sad event, killed by a sergeant, while attempting 
to fire on the capturing party ; and four others convicted 
of being accessary to the murder, were hanged. 

22. President Johnson offered $100,000 reward for the 
arrest of Jeiferson Pavis, who was soon after captured, v/hile 
trying to escape in female apparel. Greneral Johnston was 
now obliged to surrender all the forces under his command 
to General Sherman. These consisted of four armies, 
amounting to twenty-seven thousand four hundred men. 
Early in May, General Dick Taylor surrendered his army 
to General Canby, and on the 26th, General Kirby Smith 
also surrendered his entire command to the same officer. 
This closed all armed resistance to the government, with 
the exception of a pirate vessel, the Shenandoah, which 



320 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES. 

continued capturing our vessels for several mo/iths, 
not closing her infamous career till November.'*' 
And now, as the closing act of this great struggle to sup- 
press rebellion, a grand review of the troops of the two 
great armies of Grant and Sherman, took place in Wash- 
ington on the 24th of May. Nearly two hundred thousand 
brave men marched through the streets, on their way from 
the bloody battle-fields of the South, to the pursuits of 
peaceful industry, and from War's " stern alarms," to enjoy 
the blessings of peace, and the delights of Home. 

Questions on the Events of 1865. — 1. What is said of Fort Fisher? 

2. Describe the first day's assault. What land forces were 
engaged the second day ? 

3. What were captured ? Who received thanks from the gorern- 
mcnt ? 

4. Who succeeded General Butler 1 What is said of Edward 
Everett ? General Gricrson ? 

5. What amendment to the Constitution ? To whom was the 
amendment submitted ? 

6. Where did a battle take place ? Describe it. 

7. What places were captured by General Sherman? What is 
said of Charleston ? 

8. By whom was Fort Anderson captured '? 

9. What is said of Camden ? Wilmington? The fleet ? Fort 
White and Georgetown ? 

10. What is said of the battle of Fishersville ? WHiat was done 
by General Sheridan after the battle 1 

11. When did President Lincoln enter on his second term of 
office ? Who Avas elected Yice-President ? Recite the passage 
from the inaugural. 

12. What battles were fought after General Sherman renewed 

*The Shenandoah was surrendered, Nov. 1865, to an English 
laan-of-war in the Mersey river. 



Lincoln's administration. 321 

his march ? What was done by General Sherman's army at 
Fayettevillc ? How far had the troops marched ? 

13. What is said of Fort Steadman ? AVliat was done by the 
armies on the 29th of March ? 

14. What was done by the enemy 7 By General Sheridan? 
What was effected by a general attack ? 

15. What was now done by the rebel troops ? AVhat is now said 
of Petersburg ? Who took possession of Richmond, and when^ 

16. Where did Lee's retreating army make a stand? Describe 
the battle and its results. 

17. When did Lee surrender? 

18. What town was captured by General Sherman ? By General 
Stoneman ? What forts and city surrendered to General Canby ? 

19. When and by whom was the American flag raised at Fort 
Sumter ? 

20. What sorrowful event is recorded ? When did the President 
die ? 

21. Who succeeded to his office, and when ? What is said of the 
murderers .' 

22. What is said of Jciferson Davis? General Johnston? 
What other rebel generals surrendered ? Wliat is said of the 
Shenandoah ? 



THE END. 



CHKONOLOGY. 



1'192 Discovery of America. 

1497 Cabot discovers the American continent. 

1498 Sebastian Cabot's discoveries. 
1501 Cortereal's expedition. 

1512 Florida discovered. 

1521 Spaniards attempt a settlement. 

1524 Verrazani explores the coast. 

1534 Cartier discovers the St. Lawrence. 

1535 Sails up the river and names Montreal. 

1539 De Soto invades Florida. 

1540 Battle with the natives. 

1541 Discovery of the Mississippi. 

1542 Death of De Soto. 

1549 Spaniards attempt to settle in Florida. 
1562 Settlement at Port Royal, S. C. 

1564 Settlement at St. John's River. 

1565 St. Augustine settled. 

1583 Gilbert's voyage. 

1584 Raleigh sends out two vessels. 
•' Virginia named. 

1585 Settlement at Roanoke. 
1587 Second colony at Roanoke. 
1602 Discovery of Cape Cod. 

1606 London and Plymouth companies. 

1607 Jamestown settled. 

1609 Discovery of the Hudson. 

1613 New York settled. 

1614 Captain Smith names New England 

19* (i) 



11 CHRONOLOGY. 

1618 Trading station at Bergen, N. J. 

1620 Plymouth settled. 

" Negro slavery introduced in Virginia. 

1622 Indian massacre. 

1623 New Hampshire settled. 
" Fort Nassau, N. J., built. 

1628 Salem, Mass., settled. 

1631 Settlement near Lewes, Del. 

1632 Lord Baltimore obtains a charter. 

1633 Fort at Hartford built, 

1634 St. Mary's, Md., settled. 

1685 Windsor and Weathersfield settled. 

1636 Governor Harvey deposed. 
" Hartford founded. 

1637 Pequod War. 

1638 New Haven founded. 

" Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport settled. 
1641 New Hampshire annexed to Massachusetts. 

1643 Union of New England colonies. 
" Swedes settle at Tinicum, Pa. 

1644 Indian War in Virginia. 

1651 Dutch build Fort Casimir. 

1652 Maine annexed to Massachusetts. 
1 658 Bergen permanently settled. 

1 661 Settlement on Cape Fear River. 

1663 Settlement at Albemarle. 
" St. Genevieve settled. 

1664 New Netherlands surrendered. 

1 665 New Jersey named. 
1668 Michigan first settled. 

1670 First English settlement in South Carolina 
1673 New York surrenders to the Dutch. 

1675 King Philip's War. 

1676 Lord Berkley sells West New Jersey. 
" Andross governor of New York. 

♦« Death of King Philip. 
'* Lord Baltimore dies. 
1678 Culpepper's insurrection. 



CHRONOLOGY. lU 



1680 Charleston settled. 

1G81 English settlers land in Pennsylvania. 

1 682 Philadelphia founded by William Pena. 

'* East New Jersey sold. 

" Delaware joined to Pennsylvania. 

1685 Arkansas settled, 

" Andross governor of New England. 

1686 Illinois settled. 
1688 .lames II. dethroned. 

1690 Maryland becomes a royal province. 

" St. Antonio de Bexar settled. 

" Indiana settled. 
1697 Treaty of Ryswick. 
1699 Louisiana settled. 

1701 Penn's new frame of government. 

1702 East and West New Jersey united. 

" Delaware separates from Pennsylvania. 

" Queen Anne's War. 

" Siege of St. Augustine. 

1704 Deerfield burned. 

1705 Governor Moore defeats the Indians. 

1706 Charleston attacked. 

" War with the Yamasees. 

1710 Capture of Port Royal, N. S. 

1711 Admiral Walker's iieet wrecked. 
" War with the Tuscaroras. 

1713 Treaty of Utrecht 
1716 Natchez settled. 
1718 Death of William Penn. 
1722 Fort Oswego built. 
1725 Vermont settled. 

1731 Fortress at Crown Point built, 

1732 Charter granted for Georgia. 

1733 Settlement of Savannah. 

1736 The French build Fort Niagara. 

" Oglethorpe builds Fort St. George. 
1740 Oglethorpe invades Florida. 
1742 Spaniards invade Georgia. 



IT CHRO:<OLOGY. 

1744 King George's War. 

1745 Louisbourg and Cape Breton taken. 
1747 The French fleet captured. 
] 748 Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. 
1750 French encroachments. 

1 753 Washington sent to r&tnonstrate. 

1754 Expedition sent to build a fort. 
" Fort Duquesne built by the French. 
** Battle at Great Meadows. 
*' Capitulation of Fort Necessity. 

1755 Expedition against Fort Duquesne. 
" Braddock's defeat. 
*' Expedition against Nova Scotia. 
*' Expedition against Crown Point. 

1756 Capture of Oswego. 

1757 Montcalm captures Fort William Henry. 
" Tennessee settled. 

1758 William Pitt pi-ime-minister. 
" Surrender of Louisbourg. 
" Repulse of the British at Ticouderoga. 
" Capture of Fort Frontenac. 
*' Washington takes possession of Fort Duquesne (Fort Pitt) 

1759 Captures of Fort Niagara, Ticonderoga, and Crown Point. 
" Quebec taken by General Wolfe. 

1760 Montreal surrenders to General Amherst. 

1763 Treaty of Peace, by which France surrenders her claims. 
" Indian War. 

1764 Navigation Laws revived. 

1765 Stamp Act passed. 

1766 Stamp Act repealed. 

1767 Duties on glass, tea, &c. 

1768 Troops seut to Boston. 

1769 California settled by the Spaniards. ^ 

1770 Massacre in Boston. I 
" Duties repealed on all articles but tea. i 

1773 Tea destroyed in Boston harbor. f 

1774 Boston Port BilL 
" Continental Congress meet in Philadelphia. 
♦' General Gage military governor of Massachusetts 



CHRONOLOGY. Y 

Kentucky settled. 
Battle of Lexington, Mass. 
Capture of Ticonderoga. 
Second meeting of Congress. 
Washington commander-in-chief. 
Battle of Bunker Hill. 

Invasion of Canada. Capture of Montreal Quebec as- 
saulted. 
Death of Montgomery. 
Norfolk burned. 
Siege of Boston. 
Boston evacuated by the British. 
The Americans evacuate Canada. 
British attack Charleston. 
Declaration of Independence. 
Battle ofr Long Island. 
Battle of White Plains. 
Fort Washington captured. 
Retreat of the American army. 
Battle of Trenton. 
77 Battle of Princeton. 
' Danbury burned. 

' Burgoyne's Invasion. Capture of Ticonderoga. 
' Battle of Hubbardton. 
' Siege of Fort Schuyler. 
« Battle of Bennington. 
' Battle of Brandywine. 
' Massacre at Paoli. 

Capture of Philadelphia. 

Battle of Stillwater. Saratoga. Germautowa. 
Burgoyne's surrender. 
Attack on Fort Mercer. 
Army at Valley Forge. 
8 British leave Philadelphia. 
Battle of Monmouth. 
Siege of Newport. 

Massacres at Tappan, Wyoming, and Cherry Vali'^y 
Capture of Savannah. 



Tl CHRONOLOGY. 

1779 Capture of Sunbury. 
Battle of Brier Creek* 
Capture of Stony Point. 
Sullivan's expedition against the Indians. 
Captain Paul Jones's naval battles. 
Siege of the British at Savannah. 

1780 Surrender of Charlestan. 
Massacre at Waxhaw. 
Battle at Springfield, N. J. 
Battle of Sanders's Creek. 
Sumter defeated by Tarleton, 

Arnold's treason. Arrest and execution of Andr^. 
Battle of King's Mountain. 
Sumter defeats Tarleton. 

1781 Ptevolt at Morristown. 
Arnold invades Virginia. * 
Battle of Cowpens. 
Morgan's retreat. 
Battle of Guilford Court House. 
Battle of Hobkirk's Hill. 

Capture of Forts Watson, Motte, and Granby. 
Cornwallis fortifies Toi'ktown. 

Arnold invades Connecticut, and burns New London. 
Battle of Eutaw Springs, 
Siege of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis. 

1782 General Wayne defeats the British and Indians in Georgia. 

1783 Treaty of Peace. 
Washington resigns his commission. 

1786 Shay's Insurrection. 
Delegates appointed to revise the Articles of Confederation**' 

1787 The Federal Convention meets in Philadelphia and adopts a 

Constitution. 

88 Constitution ratified by eleven states. 
' Ohio settled. 

89 First Congress under the Constitution meets at New Yoik 

Washington's Administration commences. 
1790 Duties levied on imports, 
" Harmer's expedition against the Indians. 



OHUONOLOGY. Vll 

1790 Philadelphia the seat of government. 
" Tax laid on distilled spirits. 

1791 Vermont admitted. 

" St. Clair defeated by the Indians, 

1792 Kentucky admitted. 

" Washington re-elected. 

1793 Genet:, the French minister, violates the ncuiiality laws. 

1794 Great Britain seizes American vessels. 

" General Wayne's victory in the Indian War. 

" The "Whiskey Insui-rection." 

1795 Treaties with Groat Britain, Spain, Algiers, and the Indians 

1796 Difficulty with France. 
" Tennessee admitted. 

H Washington's Farewell Address. 

1797 Adams's Administration. 

*' French capture American vessels. 

1799 French frigate L'Insurgente captured. 
" Death of General Washington. 

1800 Washington the seat of government. 
" Treaty of peace with France. 

1801 Jefferson's Admiuistration. 
" War with Tripoli. 

1802 Ohio admitted. 

IBOo Purchase of Louisiana. 
" The frigate Philadelphia captured. 

1804 Blockade of Tripoli. The Philadelphia set on fire. 

1805 General Eaton captures Derne. 
" Treaty of peace with Tripoli. 

1806 American vessels captured by British and French cruisers 

1807 The frigate Chesapeake attacked. 

♦' Embargo laid on American vessels. 
1809 Non-intercourse Act. 
" Madison's Administration. 

1811 Oregon settled. 

" Encounter between the vessels President and Little Beit. 
*' Battle of Tippecanoe. 

1812 Louisiana admitted. 

*' War declared against Great Britain. 



VIU CHRONOLOGY. 

1812 General Hull's invasion of Canada. 
" Surrender of Michigan. 

" General Van Rensselaer attacks the British at Niagara River. 

" The Alert, Guerriere, Frolic, Macedonian, and Java saptured. 

" Death of Vice-President Clinton. 

1813 Battle of Frenchtown. 

'* The Hornet takes the British brig Peacock. 

*' The Chesapeake taken by the Shannon. Death of Captain 
Lawrence. 

*' Siege of Fort Meigs. 

" Battle at York, and death of General Pike. 

*' Fort George taken. 

*' Battle of Sackett's Harbor. 

'* Chesapeake Bay invaded by a British squadron. ^ 

" Gallant defence of Fort Stephenson. 

" Capture of the Argus. 

** Enterprise and Boxer. 

'* War with the Creek Indians. 

** Perry's victory on Lake Erie. 

•' Battle of the Thames. 
1314 Battle of Tohopeka. 

*' Capture of the Essex and Frolic. 

♦* Capture of the British brig Epervier. 

'* Capture of the Reindeer. 

*' General Brown invades Canada. 

" Battle of Chippewa. Luudy's Lane. 

** Capture of Washington. 

*♦ Loss of the sloop Wasp. ^ 

" Battle of Plattsburg. 

*' Battle of Lake Champlain. 

*' Battles of North Point and Fort McHenry. 

** Death of Vice-President Gerry. 
1815 Battle of New Orleans. 

" Capture of the frigate President. 

" The Constitution captures the Cyane and Levant. 

*' Treaty of peace. 

'• War with Algiers. 
ISIG Indiana admitted. 



CHRONOLOGY. iX 

1817 Monroe's Administration, 
" Mississippi admitted. 

•* Seminole War. 

1818 General Jackson captures Pensacola. 
" Illinois admitted. 

1819 North-west boundary settled by treaty, 
" Alabama admitted. 

1820 Maine admitted. 

1821 Missouri admitted. 

" Adoption of the Missouri Compromise. 
" Florida ceded to the United States. 

1822 Expedition sent against pirates. 

1824 General La Fayette "The Nation's Guest." 

1825 John Quiucy Adams's Administration. 
" Grant to General La Fayette. 

1826 Fiftieth anniversary of Independence. Death of Adams and 

Jefferson (July 4th). 
1829 Jackson's Administration. 

1831 James Moni'oe dies July 4th. 

1832 Indian War. Black Hawk taken prisoner. 
" Scott's troops destroyed by cholera. 

" Treaties with the Indians. 

♦* The tariif laws declared null and void in South Carolina. 

*♦ Congress adopts a "Compromise" Bill. 

1833 Iowa settled. 

1835 France agrees to pay the claim due for spoliaiiors 
" Seminole War. Massacre of troops. 

1836 General Scott sent against the Indians in Florida. 
" Specie Circular. 

*' National debt extinguished. 

♦' Arkansas admitted, 

•' Death of Ex-President Madison. 

1837 Michigan admitted. 

" Van Buren's Administration. 

*' The Seminole chief Osceola made prisoner. 

'• Battle of Lake Okeechobee, 

" Insurrection in Canada, 

1838 General Scott sent to enforce neutrality. 

20 



X CHRONOLOGY. 

1840 Sub-Treasury Bill adopted. 

1841 Harrison's Administration. 

" Death of the President (April 5th). 

" Tyler's Administration. 

1842 North-east boundary settled by treaty. 

1844 Two members of the Cabinet killed by the explosion cf af 

cannon. 

1845 Annexation of Texas. 
" Polk's Administration. 

'* General Taylor sent with troops into Texas. 

'< Florida and Texas admitted. 

1846 Oregon claimed by Great Britain and the United States. 
" Boundary settled by treaty. 

" Iowa admitted. 

*' General Taylor moves to the Rio Grande. 

*' Mexicans commence hostilities. 

*' Mexicans attack Fort Brown. 

<* Battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. 

** Capture of Matamoras. 

** Battle of Monterey. 

" Minnesota settled at St. Paul. 

" New Mexico taken by General Kearney. 

*' California captured. Towns on the Gulf of Mexico surren- 
der to the fleet. 

1847 Battle of Buena Vista. 
" Capture of Vera Cruz. 
" Battle of Cerro Gordo. 

*' Capture of Alvarado, Tuspan, La Puebla. 

♦* Battle of Churubusco. 

" Battle of Contreras. 

*' Battles of Molino del Bey and Chapultepec. 

" General Scott enters the city of Mexico. 

1848 Treaty of peace. 

•' New Mexico and California transferred to the United States. 

" Death of John Quincy Adams. 

" Wisconsin admitted. 

1849 Taylor's Administration. 

" Discovery of gold in California. Great emigration. 

<« Death of Mr. Polk. 



CHRONOLOGY. X.1 

1850 Mr. Clay's Compromise Bill. 
" Death of the President. 

" Fillmore's Administration. 

" California admitted. 

1851 Twenty-one million acres of land piircliased from the Indians. 
1&52 Death of Webster and Clay. 

" Commodore Perry negotiates a treaty of commerce with 
Japan. 

1853 Pierce's Administration. 

" Mr. King, Vice-President, dies. 

" Mesilla Valley conveyed to the United States by Mexico. 

1854 Repeal of the Missouri Compromise. The territories of 

Kansas and Nebraska formed. 

1855 Civil war in Kansas. 

1857 Mr. Buchanan's Administration. 
" Troops sent to Utah. 

1858 Minnesota admitted. 

1859 Oregon admitted. 

1860 Visit of the Japanese ambassadors. 
" Mr. Lincoln elected President. 

" A state convention in South Carolina passes an act of se- 
cession from the government of the Union. 

*' Major Anderson withdraws from Fort Moultrie to Fort 
Sumter. 

" General Cass, Secretary of State, resigns. 

1861 Cobb, Floyd, and Thompson resign. 

" Forts Pulaski, Jackson, Macon, Morgan seized by rebels. 

" Mississippi, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana, pass 
acts of secession. 

♦' The steamer " Star of the West" fired on by secessionists. 

" The United States Mint, Custom House, and Marine Hos- 
pital in New Orleans seized. 

" Lieutenant Slemmer witlidraws from Fort Barrancas to 
Fort Pickens. 

" Kansas admitted. 

** Peace Conference in Washington. 

*' Convention of rebelling states held at Montgomery, Ala. 

" Dacotah, Nevada, and Colorado organized as territories. 

" Inauguration of Mr. Lincoln (March 4th). 




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